After 13 years without a dental clinic or resident dentist, Kouhu Township in Yunlin County has finally restored local dental services. Residents who previously had to travel to other towns for treatment or rely on mobile clinics can now receive regular care at Kouhu Health Center, which recently welcomed its first resident dentist, Dr. Lai Yi-shao.
The 56-year-old Dr. Lai, a native of Douliu, served over 20 years at the National Taiwan University Yunlin Branch Hospital, gaining extensive clinical experience. Aware of the long-standing shortage of dental care in rural areas, he chose to serve Kouhu despite the daily 50-minute commute from Douliu. Dr. Lai will see patients Monday through Friday.
Though the commute is lengthy, Dr. Lai has already observed strong local demand. Several elderly patients have sought help for ill-fitting dentures, and children have come in for dental checkups. Kouhu Health Center Director Lu Shi-long advised residents to call ahead for appointments as Dr. Lai’s clinic is still in its early stages.
The health center is equipped with dental chairs and X-ray machines, but additional treatment equipment is still needed. Yunlin County Health Bureau Director Zeng Chun-mei said the bureau will assist in upgrading facilities and increasing service capacity. Dr. Lai’s presence will also support oral health programs for the elderly and schoolchildren, with plans to expand inter-town dental outreach in the future.
County Councilor Cai Yue-ru personally welcomed Dr. Lai to Kouhu, praising his dedication to commuting daily to provide essential dental care. He expressed gratitude that residents can finally access professional dental services locally after more than a decade.