The Mt Hagen Dental Clinic, the only dental facility serving the entire Western Highlands Province, is now delivering improved services following the installation of three brand-new dental chairs donated recently through the Eagle Foundation.
For decades, the clinic operated with aging equipment, but today, five surgery rooms are equipped with two older chairs (still in use but not fully functional) and three brand-new dental chairs.
This upgrade has significantly expanded the clinic’s capacity, enabling it to serve 35 per cent of patients who travel from neighbouring highland provinces, including Jiwaka, Enga, Southern Highlands, and Hela.
With the modern equipment now in place, the clinic is recording a huge turnout of patients each month, a sign of growing community confidence and wider access to timely dental care.
Over the three years (2024-2026), the Dental Clinic recorded a steady rise in patient attendance, reflecting both growing public trust and improved service capacity following infrastructure upgrades and the new dental chairs.
Specialist Medical Officer, Dr Thomas Tatua, stressed the importance of equipment in patient care, noting that dental chairs are the primary tools used in treatment. He explained that with the installation of the three new chairs, the clinic has been able to attend to a higher number of patients each day.
A resident Dental Officer further explained that the clinic’s strengthened capacity is complemented by monthly outreach programs. These initiatives see staff travelling to rural communities to deliver dental services directly to where the majority of the population lives, ensuring access for those who might otherwise struggle to reach Mt Hagen.
Dr Tatua added that plans are underway to expand services by establishing dental clinics in rural district hospitals, beginning with Tinsley, Tambul, and Kotna. He said this will bring dental care closer to communities and reduce the growing burden on Mt Hagen Dental Clinic.
Currently, the clinic provides a wide range of dental services, including:
- Restoration of teeth (from simple to advanced fillings)
- Dental prosthetics (false teeth)
- Major oral surgeries
Tooth Extractions (permanent and deciduous teeth) - Consultations and other dental-related treatments
The addition of the new dental chairs marks a turning point for oral health services in the Highlands, reinforcing the importance of continued investment in both equipment and outreach to meet the rising demand for dental care.
The Western Highlands PHA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jonah Kurubi, together with the management and staff, sincerely thank the Eagle Foundation for its timely support. Appreciation is also extended to the Foundation’s Patron Hon. Governor Wai Rapa, local and overseas business houses, corporate partners, families and friends. Their collective contributions have positively impacted the hospital, strengthening services and uplifting patient care across the Highlands.
