Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says a review will be done to ensure that overseas medical missions focus more on preserving citizens’ teeth, rather than extractions.

Earlier this month, Dr Tufton expressed concern that some dental teams, in their well-intended efforts, are accompanied by students whose primary focus is to gain experience in dental extractions.

The Minister had noted that this may inadvertently cause harm when consistent follow-up care is not done, after damaging dental procedures.

Dr Tufton who doubled down on this concern during an Oral Health Town Hall meeting last evening, maintained that steps will be taken to ensure a shift in the culture of extraction.

More emphasis, he said, must be placed on preservation, where possible.

Dr Tufton also pointed to vulnerabilities and complications, which could arise from Jamaicans receiving damaging extractions.

These, he said, include socio-economic disadvantages.