TAXILA, RAWALPINDI: In a concerted effort to increase awareness regarding oral health within the community, HITEC-IMS Dental College recently organized an Oral Health Awareness Week, featuring a range of engaging activities designed to educate and involve participants.
Under the leadership of Dr Irfan Shah, the Principal of Dental College HITEC-IMS, and coordinated by Dr Maria Rabbani, Assistant Professor of Community Dentistry, the campaign included diverse events such as an awareness walk, an inter-school video competition, involvement of school principals in dental college activities, as well as informative sessions and lectures conducted by Dr Mariam Saeedullah, Dr Sana Tariq, Dr Shahan, and house officers.
The week was kicked off with lectures by Dr Maria Rabbani at HITEC School for Girls and Boys, focusing on cultivating oral health awareness among teachers and students and emphasising the integration of oral health practices into daily life and informed nutritional choices.
An awareness walk, beginning from the college's main entrance and culminating at the HITUDE monument was held. Participants included the Director of HITEWT, the Director of Academics, the Principal of Dental College HITEC-IMS, faculty members, and house officers. Dr Rida delivered a closing speech aimed at promoting oral health awareness among school and college students.
Adding a creative dimension to the initiative was a video competition themed "Bright Smiles, Healthy Styles," involving students from 11 different schools. The competition encouraged participants to creatively express the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene for overall health. Judges Dr Waheed, Dr Shahzana, and Dr Ambreen evaluated the entries, awarding cash prizes to the top three positions and certificates to all participants. The Principal of Dental College HITEC-IMS delivered the closing remarks.
As part of the initiative, eight school principals and faculty members were invited to visit Dental College HITEC-IMS, where they were briefed on the college's activities promoting oral health awareness, including educational programmes, community outreach, research endeavors, and innovative practices. The visit concluded with the presentation of shields to the guests.
Prof Dr Irfan Shah conducted lectures at HITEC University on oral cancers and maxillofacial pathologies, emphasising causes, symptoms, and early diagnosis. Dr Shahreen highlighted the importance of general dentistry, oral health, disease prevention, and early treatment.
The campaign concluded with dental screenings conducted by house officers and the community dentistry department at the Educators School in Taxila on December 15th. Over 250 students underwent examinations, and an awareness lecture was delivered by Dr Arooba, Dr Hamna, and Dr Alishba.
