#SDGs #JAMDHA #Dental Workforce

Enhancing Dental Workforce Development through JAMDHA

In recent years, the Japanese Myanmar Dental Association (JAMDHA) has garnered significant attention for its innovative project aimed at nurturing foreign students into qualified dental professionals, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative seeks to address the critical shortage of dental personnel while simultaneously supporting the career development of international students.

The project integrates foundational education on dental assistant duties, enhances Japanese language communication skills, and visualizes skills through a unique certification system. Graduates of this program are introduced to partner clinics and dental offices, enabling them to become valuable contributors to the workforce immediately upon completion.

A Win-Win-Win Model for Society and Business

JAMDHA's approach is not merely charitable; it represents a sustainable model for addressing societal challenges. The initiative promises to create value in three interconnected domains:

1. Social Value: Tackling the root causes of critical shortages in dental healthcare personnel.
2. Economic Value: Reducing the labor procurement costs for healthcare institutions and ensuring a stable workforce.
3. Human Value: Facilitating secure career formation for foreign students and promoting their integration into Japanese society.

The project also aims to further the United Nations’ SDGs, targeting goals such as Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Reducing Inequality, and Partnerships for the Goals.

Recognized Impact from Industry and Influential Figures

This initiative has received accolades from reputable industry media, such as the Japan Dental Newspaper, which featured it as a project aimed at assisting international students pursuing dental hygiene careers. The publication is widely read among dental professionals throughout Japan, enhancing visibility and recognition within the industry.

Additionally, JAMDHA has gained support from prominent figures, including Akie Abe, who provided encouraging feedback on September 7, enhancing the project’s credibility. The support from a diverse group of stakeholders—including dental professors, esteemed public figures, and ordinary citizens—is pivotal in advancing the project’s objective of better integration of foreign professionals in the dental field.

Growing Recognition and Crowdfunding Success

The first press release, distributed at the end of August, was picked up by 45 media outlets across Japan, confirming a growing societal interest in this initiative. Metrics from the crowdfunding platform show a steady increase in traffic to their project page, with social media engagement flourishing, including over 1,000 likes on Facebook. Such momentum signifies broader acceptance and support for addressing social issues through collaborative efforts.

Crowdfunding Details

• - Project Name: Nurturing International Students as Dental Assistants for a Brighter Future in Japanese Dental Healthcare
• - Platform: Readyfor
• - Goal Amount: 8 million JPY
• - Funding Period: August 25, 2025 - October 10, 2025 (11:00 PM JST)

The project offers various support plans ranging from 1,000 JPY, which includes a thank-you email and activity updates, to corporate sponsorship opportunities between 300,000 JPY and 1,000,000 JPY that enable partners to engage significantly in social challenges.

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

The provided corporate sponsorship plans invite companies to engage actively in addressing social challenges, fostering a partnership model:

• - 300,000 JPY Plan: Featured jointly on our website to celebrate collaborative efforts in social contribution.
• - 500,000 JPY Plan: Opportunity to present contributions at JAMDHA events, enhancing outreach.
• - 1,000,000 JPY Plan: Expanding social impact through joint PR campaigns and firsthand experiences in Myanmar clinics.

Vision for the Future

The e-learning system and certification framework developed through this project are set to expand into other ASEAN nations. Companies participating in this noble cause will join as international partners in the