Common clinical findings revealed the occurrence of dental caries, gingivitis, missing teeth, halitosis, and fluorosis among children, these findings were discussed in a community outreach program organized by the Community and Preventive Dentistry Department, Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences (SIOHS) – Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) from September 21 to October 12, 2022.
The second-year BDS students examined approximately 600 students from grades six to ten at FG Public Boys School in a free dental check-up and awareness session, under the supervision of Principal SIOHS-JSMU Professor Dr Zubair Abbasi and Department Head Dr Marium Azfar.
Appreciating the efforts of the Institute, Vice Chancellor Professor Amjad Siraj Memon said that the Oral challenges of Pakistan are enormous. Dental public health is yet to witness major improvements with organized efforts of society including the public health sector, and the dental community.
Principal Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences-JSMU Professor Dr. Zubair Abbasi said that apart from unsatisfactory brushing habits, an increase in consumption of ‘Chaliya’ was found as a major health concern. It was identified that the most carious teeth were primary molars, a trend that has consistently been seen in mixed dentition’, he added.
The BDS students were accompanied by faculty members of the department including Dr Hina Shah, Dr Imran Khan, and Dr Daroshum khan. Oral examinations were carried out on children aged between 13 to 17, by optimal cross-infection control as per the Covid SOPs.
Head of the Department Dr Marium Azfar said that cultural acceptance and cheap availability of betel quid, areca nut, and cigarettes should be addressed amongst policy-makers.
She further spoke about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene through proper tooth brushing habits including brushing methods, demonstrated through a model, along with an emphasis on healthy diet intake.
Team SIOHS-JSMU distributed oral hygiene kits, in collaboration with Colgate, amongst the children to reinforce oral health advice. They were also given flyers with details of dental treatment offered at SIOHS dental OPD.
While expressing satisfaction with the outreach program response, Principal SIOHS-JSMU Professor Zubair Abbasi thanked Vice Chancellor JSMU Professor Amjad Siraj Memon, Registrar JSMU Dr Azam Khan, and Dean SIOHS-JSMU Professor Dr Yawar Ali Abidi for their supportive role in student learning programs.
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