KARACHI: The Department of Community Dentistry of Baqai Dental College, Baqai Medical University (BMU), recently arranged a field trip to Salimullah Fahmi Primary Memorial School.
The underlying intent of Baqai Dental College is to understand the public health model and dental health promotion along with program planning, to understand the epidemiology and prevalence of disease in the community.
To corroborate these objectives in a public health setup, the Department of Community Dentistry organised a school field trip for second year BDS students. BMU carried the same practice also in September 2021.
Prof. Dr Asghar Ali Shigri, Head of Community Dentistry Department, BMU, supervised the field trip to Salimullah Fahmi Primary Memorial School, Unit 1, with his team members Dr Raza Abbas Abidi, Dr Mahwish Bano and Dr Samreen Shafqat.
The visit's main objective was to educate the students on maintaining oral hygiene, proper brushing techniques, and spreading awareness regarding oral health benefits and how its adequate administration averts serious health risks. Since the country was caged in a pandemic, all the COVID-19 SOP's were abided by, and students maintained proper care and social distancing.
The Salimullah Fahmi Primary Memorial School, Unit 1, has hundreds of students ranging from nursery till grade 5. Baqai Medical University sponsored its students' education, health, and books so that no one would be deprived of essential knowledge and a brighter future in the longer run.
The principal of Salimullah Fahmi Primary Memorial School, Unit 1, welcomed the department. The school administration remained immensely cooperative and supported the awareness drive throughout. After a short trip through the school and introductory speeches about the establishment and the school's work ethic, the dental students were set to work.
The supervisors instructed the BDS students to divide themselves into groups and target each class to deliver the knowledge efficiently and make the most of the drive. An interactive session took place in which the students were taught how to maintain oral hygiene, proper brushing techniques, and the risk factors associated with cigarette smoking and its adverse effects on health. The dental students succeeded to establish a productive study environment in which school students participated enthusiastically.
After spending a reasonable amount of time in the Salimullah Fahmi School, the dental students and their supervisors returned to their university.
Educational visits where health benefits have been highlighted are pivotal for both the students and the medical undergraduates. Such practices have always been appreciated.