The Vice Chancellor, ZU, Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui and the Registrar Engr. Atique Baig were kind enough to accept the invitation to inaugurate the well-attended camp, supervised by Dr. Sidra Mohiuddin (HOD- Community Dentistry), along with her competent team of lecturers Dr. Abeeha Batool and Dr. Khizra Zaidi.
The main objective of the camp was provision of free dental checkups and patient counselling under the supervision of senior faculty members; as well as spreading awareness about etiology, complications and methods of prevention of basic dental problems, mainly dental caries, periodontal infections and oral cancer, which are major public health concerns in our country.
Not only adults but, young children and teenagers are also suffering from such dental problems due to lack of public awareness.
Participants were thoroughly informed about healthy diet patterns and caring for oral as well as general health, stressing over the fact that a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy body.
Approximately 300 men, women and children visited the camp. Faculty supervised basic demographic data collection, dental checkups performed by second year students, who were trained, via monthly school based dental outreach programs.
House officers of different coordinating clinical departments were also included in the camp for detailed clinical examinations and the advice regarding medications and referrals.
Majority of the families visiting the camp had poor oral hygiene and dental caries. After guiding them about recommended brushing techniques, amount of tooth paste use and duration of tooth brushing they were referred for cleaning and other advised treatment.
Furthermore, habits of chewing areca nut in packaged form among children, naswar and betel quid (paan) in adult males were found to be prevalent. The dangers or OSF and Oral Cancer were shown to them through charts and posters and they were strongly advised to stop the habits.
At the end of each examination, sample toothpastes were given to the adult patients and small Colgate goody packs were given to children.
ZDC’s team appreciated the efforts of Colgate Pakistan for their cooperation and support in spreading oral health awareness.