World Oral Health Day is observed annually on 20th March and launches a year- long campaign dedicated to raising global awareness regarding the issues around oral health and the importance of oral hygiene, so that Health Associations and General Public can work together, to achieve healthier mouths and happier lives.
90% of the world population suffers from oral diseases in their life time; most of the oral diseases can be prevented by primary prevention. WOHD involves campaigns of dental activities in collaboration with national dental associations from around the world covering 130 countries. It is an international day to celebrate the benefits of a healthy mouth and to promote worldwide awareness of the issues about oral health and importance of oral hygiene. In addition, WOHD offers the dental and oral health community, a platform to take actions and help reduce the overall disease burden.
The message of practicing and maintaining good oral health is delivered to the community and a tremendous effort is made every year to minimize the prevalence of oral disease in the community. It is celebrated by conducting seminars, lectures and demonstrations of habits that are beneficial to oral health.
Baqai Medical University is the first leading ‘Community Oriented’ University, with its Community Dentistry Department being the pioneer of organizing such events. Over the years, the Department of Community Dentistry has embarked upon the journey of eradicating oral problems in the community.
Under the guidance and supervision of Professor Dr. Asghar Ali Shigri, Head of the Department Community Dentistry, Baqai Dental College and his team members, Dr. Samreen Shafqat, Dr. Mohammad Ali Leghari, Dr. Mahwish Bano and Dr. Raza Abbas, WOHD was celebrated this year at various Primary Health Care Centers by directing oral health educational addresses and discussions on the important of community health.
WOHD was celebrated simultaneously in Baqai Dental College and its six Primary Health Care Centers: Salimullah Fahmi Memorial primary school Unit 1, Baqai Medical Complex, Khushal Nagar Gharo, Baqai Medical Complex, Khuda Ki Basti, F.W.C. Layari. Fehmi Health and Education Center, Gulberg and Baqai City Dental Hospital, Nazimabad.
The aim of conducting these programs was to provide Oral Health awareness and education towards prevention not only for patients who visited the Dental Hospital but also for the Students studying in different schools in the remote areas where there is lack of awareness as well as dental facilities.
‘World Oral Health Day Programs’
Baqai Dental College and Hospital
The WOHD program in Baqai Dental College and Hospital was conducted by the Department of Community Dentistry. Dental checkups and educational lectures on Oral Health Awareness were delivered by Dr. Naseem Ahmed Khan along side dental House Officers.
Approximately, more than 250 patients visited BDC’s dental OPD for their Dental Checkups. At the end of the educational session, free tooth brush and toothpaste kits provided by the Shield Company, were distributed amongst the patients.
Baqai Medical Complex, Khushal Nagar Gharo.
Dental Health related lectures alongside free Dental checkups were held in Baqai Medical Complex, Khushal Nagar Gharo. Approximately, 550 participants attended this program. This session was conducted by Dr. Farhan Sufi. Students of the school and patients, all were made well aware of the common diseases related to their teeth and how to prevent them by taking care of their oral health, on a regular basis.
At the end of the educational session, free tooth brush and toothpaste kits provided by the Shield Company, were distributed amongst the participants.
Baqai Medical complex, Khuda ki Basti
The WOHD program held at Baqai Medical Complex, Khuda ki Basti, was conducted by Dr Asif Rasool. He delivered an extensive lecture based on Dental awareness for the students studying at the center, along with the members of the community, residing beside the complex.
More than 650 visitors showed up for this program and to get dental checkups, carried out by students of Baqai Dental College. At the end of the session, free toothbrush and toothpaste kits were distributed amongst the school students and other present visitors.
F.W.C. Lyari
The WOHD program held at F.W.C Lyari was conducted by Dr. Mohsin Abidi. Almost around 200 people attended this educational session to attain awareness regarding oral hygiene and its maintenance. At the end of the lecture, oral examination of the patients was carried out. Tooth brush & toothpaste kits were distributed amongst everyone.
Fahmi Health Education Center, F.B.Area, Gulberg
The WOHD program held at Fahmi Health Education Center, Gulberg was divided into 3 parts. This program was conducted by Dr. Nausheen Jawaid, faculty member of Baqai Dental College.
Firstly, a detailed presentation was given to the students and visitors regarding the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
This educational session was followed by free dental checkups. More than 200 students and visitors showed up at the center to be a part of this awareness program. Dr. Nausheen examined the patients. At the end of the session, free tooth brush and toothpaste kits were distributed amongst the students and other visitors.
Baqai City Dental Hospital, Nazimabad, Karachi
Among the different Primary Health Care Centre’s of Community Dentistry Department, Baqai Dental College, World Oral Health Day program was also organized at Baqai City Dental Hospital Nazimabad Karachi, under the supervision of Dr. Nauman Qamar.
He then delivered a detailed presentation for the patients and students of a school from the private sector, regarding the importance of World Oral Health Day.
A total of 130 patients and students were examined and each one of them was provided with free samples of Toothpaste and Toothbrushes.
Sallimullah Fahmi Memorial Primary School, Unit-1
The WOHD program in Sallimullah Fehmi Memorial Primary School Unit 1 was conducted by the Department of Community Dentistry under the keen supervision and monitoring of Dr. Asghar Ali Shigri (Head of the Department) and their team members Dr. Samreen Mazhar, Dr. Mohammad Ali Laghari, Dr. Mahwish Bano and Dr Raza Abidi. Prof.Dr. Zahida Baqai, also graced this session with her valuable presence. She motivated BDC’s team to conduct such programs more often.
2nd year students of Baqai Dental College, delivered lectures on Dental Health Awareness, discussed oral hygiene instructions, dental fluorosis, periodontal diseases, and dental caries. The lectures were carried out in a simple manner, with easy to understand language for all the youngsters.
Free dental check-ups were conducted for the school children as well as the teaching and non-teaching staff members. More than 600 students attended the lectures based on Oral Health and enjoyed learning.
At the end of the educational session, free toothbrush and toothpaste kits, provided by the Shield Company, were distributed amongst the students and school staff.
