Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

On March 28, Mayor Hau Lung-bin attended the general meeting of the Taipei Dental Association. He expressed his gratitude to the members of the association for their longtime contribution to improving dental healthcare for residents.
Hau remarked that every time he visits elementary and middle schools, he would remind students to pay attention to their dental hygiene. According to the mayor, toothache is not a disease, but the pain can be quite overwhelming at times. Therefore, dentists play a very important role – close to being life saviors at times.
During the meeting, the mayor presented certificates of recognition to veteran dentists with over thirty years of experience. He thanked the winners for their efforts in safeguarding the dental health of residents and their contributions to the profession.
He also praised the association for playing an active role in recycling unwanted dental implants since 2005, to ensure that resources are used to their fullest. Through this program, valuable metals are extracted from the dental waste, generating over millions of NT dollars over the years and contributing to the protection of our environment. The association donated the financial returns from the program to charities and public benefit.
Furthermore, the mayor noted that the Department of Health and Taipei Dental Association joined hands in 2009 to organize a dental hygiene promotion campaign at local communities last year, receiving widespread acclaim. In light of this success, the city government and Taipei Dental Association – with the addition of Taipei County Dental Association – will organize a similar campaign in 2010, teaching the residents of Greater Taipei how to maintain healthy teeth.