BMC students take oral health education to 400+ Quetta schoolchildren

QUETTA: More than 400 schoolchildren received oral health education and guidance on healthier lifestyle choices as students of Bolan Medical College (BMC) and Bolan University of Health Sciences (BUMHS) conducted a community awareness programme at Sardar Bahadur Khan Model School.

Organised by the Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry at BMC in collaboration with BUMHS and Colgate Pakistan, the Oral Health Awareness Drive brought together second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students and students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene programme to promote preventive healthcare among children.

The programme aimed to improve children's understanding of oral hygiene, encourage healthier dietary choices and raise awareness about preventing common dental diseases. Through interactive presentations and practical demonstrations, the participating students explained the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums and establishing good oral care routines during childhood.

Using dental models, the students demonstrated proper toothbrushing and flossing techniques, helping children learn practical methods of maintaining daily oral hygiene. Educational charts and posters were also used to explain oral health concepts and make the sessions more accessible and engaging for the young participants.

The initiative also addressed broader childhood health concerns through Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments conducted as part of a student research activity examining the prevalence of obesity among primary schoolchildren. The assessments added a wider preventive-health dimension to the programme by drawing attention to physical health and the importance of healthy lifestyle habits alongside oral healthcare.

Colgate Pakistan supported the initiative and distributed gifts among the participating schoolchildren, encouraging their involvement in the awareness activities.

Dr Ashfaq Khawaja Khail, Head of the Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry at Bolan Medical College, highlighted the importance of developing positive oral hygiene practices and healthy dietary habits from an early age. He appreciated the participating students for their dedication and efforts in taking preventive oral healthcare education directly to the school community.

Miss Fouzia Nouman, Principal of Sardar Bahadur Khan Model School, welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the importance of oral hygiene awareness programmes in educational institutions. She also extended her support to activities aimed at improving oral health awareness among schoolchildren.

The programme provided BDS and Dental Hygiene students with an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a community setting, translating preventive dentistry principles into practical education for children. The collaboration between the two health sciences institutions and the school highlighted the role of dental students in promoting oral health awareness and encouraging healthier behaviours beyond the clinical and academic environment.