Monday 13 / April / 2026
Muscat: The Ministry of Health today signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with Oman Dental College (ODC) to provide specialized care for patients with cleft lip, as part of efforts to enhance partnership and integration between health and educational institutions in the Sultanate of Oman.
The agreement aims to provide non-surgical treatment and orthodontic care for at least 50 patients annually over a five-year period for cases involving cleft lip or cleft palate. These services will be provided free of charge and include dental examinations, preventive care, restorative treatment, and simple tooth extractions, in addition to orthodontic evaluation and treatment.
The cost of treatment for a single patient is estimated at approximately OMR5,000 over the program’s duration, with a total estimated cost of approximately RO 1,250,000 over the five years.
The memorandum seeks to utilize the academic and clinical capabilities of Oman Dental College, the first specialized dental education institution in the Sultanate of Oman. The college contributes to qualifying professional medical cadres in oral and dental medicine and provides advanced specialized services in oral and maxillofacial surgery for complex cases, including congenital deformities such as cleft lip and palate.
Furthermore, the memorandum intends to support the delivery of non-surgical treatment for cleft lip patients by offering orthodontic services and preventive and therapeutic care, while enhancing coordination with Khoula Hospital for cases requiring surgical intervention or advanced medical care.
The agreement was signed on behalf of Khoula Hospital by Dr. Rashid Mohammed Al Alawi, Director General of the General Directorate of Khoula Hospital, and on behalf of Oman Dental College by Professor Dr. Mohammed Issa Al Ismaili, Acting Dean of the College.
This step is part of Khoula Hospital’s ongoing efforts to expand cooperation with academic institutions, contributing to the improvement of healthcare quality and the provision of integrated care that enhances the quality of life for patients.
