The opening ceremony, held yesterday (Sept 1) at Saphan Hin, was presided over by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, joined by senior PSU executives, faculty members, government officials and private sector representatives.
Governor Sophon said the centre supports the provincial strategy to develop Phuket into a ‘Medical Wellness Hub’, a key policy to promote health tourism. “Dentistry is vital to quality of life for all age groups, from children to the elderly. This centre will allow residents and tourists alike to access world-class services, while strengthening Phuket’s role as an international medical hub,” he said.
Assoc Prof Dr Pan Thongchumnum, Vice President of PSU Phuket Campus, explained that the university’s vision includes developing the Andaman International Health Centre as both a local health asset and a service hub for international visitors. “The plan includes establishing a health college, a large hospital and training more than 240 healthcare professionals. This marks the starting point for sustainable health innovation in the Andaman region,” he said.
Assoc Prof Dr Udomphon Phitchapaiboon, Vice President for Human Resources and Special Affairs, noted that the dental center was built by redeveloping an existing building into a fully ‘digital hospital’. Equipped with digital dental chairs integrated with X-ray systems, the facility is designed to meet international academic and safety standards, he said.
Assoc Prof Dr Songchai Thitsomkul, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, emphasised the long-term goal of developing the facility into a “sustainable dental center of excellence,” capable of improving quality of life, particularly for the elderly, while also serving as a venue for international academic conferences.
Asst Prof Dr Setthakorn Pongpanich, specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery, highlighted the centre’s digital strengths. “From diagnosis to smile design and even the production of dental products in our modern lab, the fully digital system shortens treatment time and better serves patients’ needs,” he said.
SDDC Phuket offers a full range of dental services, including general, cosmetic, prosthetic, orthodontic, pediatric, implant and oral surgery treatments. Digital solutions, training and research are also part of the facility’s mission, said an official report of the launch.
To mark its occasion, the centre is offering a 15% discount on service fees, along with social security benefits. In the future, direct reimbursement for social security and civil servant benefits will also be available to ensure universal access.