Malaysia Dental Fluoride Treatment Market Analysis

Malaysia Dental Fluoride Treatment Market Executive Summary

The Malaysia Dental Fluoride Treatment Market is at around $24.4 Mn in 2023 and is projected to reach $32.3 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

Dental hygienists and dentists professionally apply high-concentration fluoride products to teeth in order to build enamel and prevent tooth decay. This procedure is known as a dental fluoride treatment. During routine dental appointments, they are usually applied as a gel, foam, varnish, or solution. Fluoride fortifies enamel and increases teeth's resistance to bacterial acid attacks by enhancing the absorption of minerals like calcium and phosphate. It also inhibits the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, slowing or stopping their destructive effects. Fluoride is a valuable tool in the fight against tooth decay and enamel deterioration.

Irritation, allergic reactions, and transient discolouration are possible adverse effects. Fluorosis can result from excessive consumption, especially in young infants. However, because over-the-counter drugs have modest concentrations, it is difficult to reach harmful amounts. Supplement acute poisoning can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, and in extreme circumstances, even death.

Oral health problems remain a significant public health concern in the Malaysia. Malaysia has a high prevalence of dental caries, with around 60-80% of the population affected. According to the data, 45% of adults have untreated dental caries, and 20% have periodontal disease. The prevalence of these issues is even higher among certain demographics, such as 50% of 5-year-olds having untreated dental caries and 30% of those aged 65 and over having periodontal disease. The market therefore is driven by significant factors like growing prevalence of dental caries coupled with increasing awareness regarding oral health and hygiene, increasing the intake of sugary drinks and food, cosmetic dentistry boom, technological advancements etc.

Some of the major players operating in the market are Sarjana Sumber, Southern Lion, Tohtonku, Kotra Pharma and Hovid Berhad among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Rising prevalence of dental caries: Malaysia has a high prevalence of dental caries, with around 60-80% of the population affected. The high burden of dental diseases is driving the demand for effective preventive treatments like fluoride applications.

Increasing awareness about oral health: The Malaysian government and dental associations have been actively promoting oral health awareness through campaigns and programs. As people become more conscious of the link between oral health and overall well-being, the demand for fluoride treatments is growing.

Expansion of dental tourism: Malaysia is emerging as a popular destination for dental tourism, with patients from other countries seeking affordable and high-quality dental care. The influx of dental tourists is contributing to the growth of the fluoride treatment market in Malaysia.

Market Restraints

Limited access to dental care: Access to quality dental services, including fluoride treatments, may not be uniform across all regions of Malaysia. Disparities in access to care, especially in remote or underserved areas, can limit the market potential.

Affordability issues: Dental care, including fluoride treatments, may not be affordable for a significant portion of the Malaysian population. The high out-of-pocket expenses for dental care can restrict access to services for many people.

Shortage of dental professionals: Malaysia faces a shortage of dentists, with an uneven distribution of professionals across regions. The limited availability of dentists, especially in remote and underserved areas, can restrict access to fluoride treatments.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

New regulations under the Dental Act 2018 (Act 804) provide for the establishment of the Malaysian Dental Council (MDC) and the Malaysian Board of Dental Therapists, the inclusion of the register for dental specialists and dental therapists, as well as new rules on dental practice which were not covered in the old Dental Act 1971 (Act 51).

The MDC's key responsibilities include registering dental practitioners, including dentists, dental specialists, and dental therapists, after passing a Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) and obtaining professional indemnity cover for practising certificates. Additionally, the MDC allows registered dentists to choose between performing compulsory services in public or private healthcare, and mandates professional indemnity cover for dentists to apply for practising certificates and ensure enforcement in dental practice. Furthermore, the MDC requires dentists to accumulate points for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain their registration and practising certificate, sets standards for dental education, including requirements for dental qualifications and competencies, and publishes guidelines, bulletins, and media releases related to dental practice and regulation. The MDC also handles complaints against dental practitioners and provides a mechanism for resolving disputes, enforces the Dental Act 2018 and other relevant laws and regulations related to dental practice in Malaysia, and offers various membership categories, including ordinary, associate, life, and student membership, with different requirements and privileges.

Malaysia has a mix of public and private dental insurance coverage. The national health insurance scheme, PhilHealth, provides limited coverage for certain dental treatments, while public healthcare providers offer dental services at low or no cost to citizens. Private dental insurance plans are also available, offering comprehensive coverage for a range of dental services. These plans typically include features such as affordable premiums, cashless transactions at panel clinics, reimbursements for treatments at non-panel clinics, unlimited number of treatments and visits to the dentist per year, and access to a nationwide network of panel dental clinics. The reimbursement process involves seeking treatment at panel clinics for cashless transactions or at non-panel clinics for reimbursements, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the Malaysia Dental Fluoride Treatment Market:

• Sarjana Sumber
• Southern Lion
• Tohtonku
• Kotra Pharma
• Hovis Berhad
• Procter & Gamble
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Colgate-Palmolive
• Hindustan Unilever Limited
• 3M