RIHS expands preventive dental care with school screening program

ISLAMABAD: Reinforcing the importance of preventive oral healthcare among children, the Department of Community Dentistry at the Rawal Institute of Health Sciences (RIHS) successfully conducted its annual School Screening Program 2026, extending free dental services and oral health education to nearly 1, 500 schoolchildren. The initiative formed part of the department’s continuing efforts to promote oral health awareness, encourage preventive dentistry, and improve access to early dental care among young students. The screening activities were carried out at Allied School Harmain Campus and Bahria Foundation College, where dental teams examined students and conducted interactive awareness sessions aimed at instilling healthy oral hygiene habits from an early age. The program was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Rubina Mumtaz, Head of the Department of Community Dentistry, with support from Dr. Adeela Awan, Assistant Professor; Dr. Aatir Mujeeb, Senior Registrar; and Demonstrators Dr. Aleeza Tayyab and Dr. Umar Zaman. Fifty second-year BDS students also participated, gaining practical experience in community-based oral healthcare and preventive dentistry. Nearly 1, 500 children receive free dental screenings A total of 1, 489 students underwent free dental examinations during the program. Disposable examination instruments were used to maintain hygiene and ensure patient safety, while oral findings were carefully documented. Students requiring further care were provided with discount vouchers for treatment at Rawal Dental Hospital, helping facilitate access to additional dental services when needed. Dental public health experts emphasize that early detection and timely intervention remain critical in preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems that commonly affect children. Interactive oral health education promotes healthy habits Beyond clinical examinations, the initiative focused heavily on oral health awareness and preventive education. Interactive sessions were conducted to teach students the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing common dental diseases. Proper tooth brushing techniques were demonstrated using dental models, allowing children to understand effective brushing methods in a simple and engaging manner. Experts in community dentistry note that school-based oral health programs play a vital role in establishing lifelong healthy behaviors and reducing the burden of preventable oral diseases. Oral hygiene kits distributed to students To reinforce daily oral care practices, students received oral health kits containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and monthly brushing charts. The educational sessions were warmly received by students, highlighting the growing importance of oral health literacy and preventive care among younger populations. Training future dentists through community engagementBesides benefiting schoolchildren, the School Screening Program also provided valuable practical exposure for undergraduate dental students. By participating in screenings and awareness activities, second-year BDS students gained firsthand experience in community dentistry, patient communication, and preventive oral healthcare—essential components of modern dental education. Organizers said the initiative reflects RIHS’s broader mission of strengthening community outreach and promoting healthier futures through preventive dentistry. As oral diseases continue to affect millions of children worldwide, healthcare experts increasingly advocate school-based screening and awareness programs as effective tools for improving oral health outcomes and encouraging timely intervention. Through initiatives such as the School Screening Program 2026, Rawal Institute of Health Sciences continues to expand its role in preventive dentistry while helping cultivate future dental professionals committed to public health and community service. Stay informed, stay alert pk/23-Jun-2026/rihs-expands-preventive-dental-care-with-school-screening-program” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener noreferrer”>Read full story on Dental News