Good oral health is vital for overall well-being, yet many students lack access to adequate dental education. Recognizing this need, the NOICHC team launched the 2024 School Dental Outreach programme, building on insights from the 2023 outreach. The initiative aimed to raise oral health awareness, empower students and teachers with practical knowledge, and promote healthier dental habits. The programme ran from 26th June to 21st November 2024, covering five schools across the region.
Programme Activities
Each school visit featured engaging 30 to 45-minute oral hygiene sessions led by a dentist and dental therapist. Using instructional aids and interactive models, the team demonstrated proper dental care techniques and emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy oral habits. The sessions were lively and informative, with students and teachers asking questions and seeking clarifications.
To reinforce the key messages shared, educational materials such as questionnaires and dental fliers were distributed. Additionally, students received dental incentives, including soft toothbrushes and sachets of fluoride-containing toothpaste, to encourage the adoption of good oral hygiene practices.
Impact and Achievements
737 individuals, comprising 681 students from primary and secondary schools and 56 teachers who participated in the outreach had their knowledge, attitudes and practice improved on. Basic oral examinations were conducted for students presenting specific concerns, leading to the referral of 23 students to the dental centre for further investigation.
A teacher at one of the participating schools shared:
“The outreach was a fantastic initiative. The students were excited and eager to learn about dental care. We hope to see more programmes like this in the future.”
Challenges and Solutions
During the initial June sessions, the team encountered resistance from some schools due to widespread misinformation circulating on social media.
To address this challenge, the team implemented a proactive solution by distributing consent forms to parents ahead of the November sessions. This approach reassured parents and facilitated smoother operations during subsequent visits, ensuring that more students benefitted from the programme.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 School Dental Outreach not only educated students and teachers on essential oral health practices but also emphasized the importance of dental check-ups, and regular visits to the dental clinic, empowering the students to make informed choices for their well-being. The collective commitment of the dental team to improving oral health awareness has laid a strong foundation for future outreach initiatives.
Looking forward, the programme aims to expand its reach, fostering stronger collaborations with schools and community stakeholders to ensure that more children have access to vital dental education and care. By nurturing a culture of proactive oral health awareness, the outreach seeks to inspire a generation that prioritizes well-being and shares this knowledge within their families and communities.
In all, the NOICHC team looks forward to expanding this initiative and making an even greater impact in the coming years.