KARACHI: Bahria University Medical & Dental College (BUM&DC) recently conducted an interactive oral health awareness and dental checkup session at Army Public School, 4 Dots, Malir Cantt, collaborating with Colgate.
The Health Care Professional (HCP) team of BUM&DC dental college and the Colgate team participated in the activity. The team from BUM&DC comprised of Dr Kulsoom Fatima Rizvi, Vice-Principal & Head of Community Dentistry Department, BUM&DC, Dr Maria Moin, Assistant Professor, Dr Mohsin Haider, Senior Lecturer, and Dr Hajra Asghar, Lecturer from the Department of Community Dentistry. House officers included Dr Ammar, Dr Wajiha, Dr Kiran, Dr Komal Devi, Dr Tayyab, Dr Fatima, Dr Asra and Dr Komal Nisar. Meanwhile, Ms Shazia and Mr Shariq participated in the session from the Colgate team.
Colgate team conducted an interactive session for around 250 students in an auditorium. The session comprised an oral presentation of common oral diseases, their etiological and risk factors, and a particular emphasis on preventive measures. The team conveyed the information through artificial teeth models, charts and lively interaction. Oral hygiene practices such as meticulous tooth brushing techniques were also demonstrated on models.
A dental checkup was provided to all students by the HCP team. The team recorded the oral health condition was recorded on validated WHO forms. Children’s knowledge and attitude about oral health and related oral hygiene practices were also assessed via a questionnaire.
The oral health assessed by the HCP team was generally considered as good. Most of the children used to brush twice and refrained from betel nuts, supari etc. However, the brushing technique and eating habits needed reinforcements. The HCP team actively reinforced those deficiencies, fulfilling the purpose of oral health education and promotion.
In the end, the queries and problems of the school administrator and staff members regarding oral health were addressed. The school provided the team with a certificate of appreciation and souvenirs as a token of gratitude.
