AIDM students showcase preventive dentistry research at annual poster competition

KARACHI: Second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students at Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM) presented scientific information on community oral health and preventive dentistry through creative posters at the institute’s 3rd Annual Poster Competition.

Organised by AIDM’s Department of Community Dentistry, the competition aimed to strengthen students’ understanding of public oral health issues and develop their ability to communicate evidence-based dental information to wider audiences.

Students explored a range of topics related to community oral health, preventive practices and dental care, combining scientific content with visual presentation to make health messages accessible and informative. The activity provided a platform for participants to demonstrate their subject knowledge, creativity and scientific communication skills.

The event was organised under the guidance of Dr Amir Akbar Shaikh, Head of the Department of Community Dentistry, with support from Dr Naseer Ahmed, Associate Professor, and demonstrators Dr Fatima Jafri, Dr Nikita Bodani and Dr Danial Ahmed.

Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) President Dr Mahmood Shah attended as chief guest. Other distinguished guests included Prof. Dr Muhammad Altamash, President of AIDM; Dr Shaheena, Executive Dean; Prof. Dr Hasnain Sakrani, Principal; and Prof. Dr Sheema Farhan, Vice Principal.

A panel of external judges comprising Dr Hassan Shahid, Prof. Dr Saima Butt, Dr Mohsin Haider, Dr Ujala Faisal and Dr Tahira Hyder assessed the posters on originality, scientific accuracy, creativity and overall presentation. The judges also provided feedback to help students improve their academic work and strengthen their ability to present scientific concepts effectively.

Dr Rafia Ruaz and Dr Nikita Bodani hosted the proceedings.

The Department of Community Dentistry said the competition was designed to promote creative thinking and reinforce the importance of preventive dentistry through academic and co-curricular activities. It also highlighted the role of effective health communication in educating communities about oral hygiene, disease prevention and appropriate dental care.

The initiative underscored the importance of preparing future dental professionals not only in clinical practice but also in communicating evidence-based information and promoting preventive oral health measures at the community level.