KMU launches first dental clinic at Islamabad campus

ISLAMABAD: Khyber Medical University (KMU) has expanded its healthcare and academic infrastructure with the inauguration of its first dental clinic at the Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) Islamabad, a move expected to improve access to oral healthcare services while strengthening practical clinical training for students.

The new Executive Dental Clinic was formally inaugurated by KMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zia-ul-Haq (SI) during a ceremony attended by faculty members, healthcare professionals, students, and invited guests.

University officials described the facility as an important addition to KMU’s growing network of healthcare and training services, designed to serve both educational and community health needs.

The clinic has been established under a university initiative aimed at developing dental facilities across KMU’s constituent institutes. The project was led by Dr. Benish Aleem, with support from Dr. Mohammad Arsalan and Dr. Afreenish Malik, who worked on the planning and implementation of the facility.

To mark the inauguration, KMU-IHS organized a free dental screening camp and oral health awareness seminar in collaboration with Colgate. Hundreds of community members attended the event, receiving dental consultations, oral examinations, preventive care advice, and counseling on maintaining oral hygiene.

According to organizers, nearly 500 people benefited from the free dental camp, reflecting strong public interest in accessible oral healthcare services and community-based dental awareness initiatives.

University officials said the clinic will play a dual role by providing affordable oral healthcare services to the public while serving as a practical training facility for students enrolled in Dental Technology and allied health sciences programs.

The facility will allow students to observe clinical procedures and develop hands-on competencies within a supervised learning environment, helping bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world healthcare practice.

Officials believe the availability of an in-house clinical facility will enhance professional training opportunities and reduce dependence on external placements, enabling students to gain more consistent clinical exposure during their studies.

The inauguration ceremony and related activities were conducted under the supervision of KMU-IHS Islamabad Director Dr. Shehnaz Dilawar, whose administrative support facilitated the launch of the project and associated community outreach activities.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to students, healthcare professionals, support staff, and other contributors in recognition of their role in establishing the clinic and organizing the free dental camp.

Dean Allied Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Haider Darain and faculty members also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening oral healthcare services and advancing clinical education within the university.

With the launch of the dental clinic, KMU aims to contribute to improved oral health awareness, expand community access to dental services, and provide future healthcare professionals with practical learning opportunities that support high-quality patient care.