RIHS screens nearly 1,500 students in annual school oral health campaign

ISLAMABAD: The Department of Community Dentistry at the Rawal Institute of Health Sciences (RIHS) carried out its annual School Screening Program 2026, providing free dental examinations, oral health education, and hygiene kits to nearly 1,500 schoolchildren as part of efforts to promote preventive oral healthcare.

The program was conducted on April 7 and 14 at Allied School Harmain Campus and Bahria Foundation College under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Rubina Mumtaz, Head of the Department of Community Dentistry. The initiative was supported by Dr. Adeela Awan, Assistant Professor; Dr. Aatir Mujeeb, Senior Registrar; and Demonstrators Dr. Aleeza Tayyab and Dr. Umar Zaman, with the participation of 50 second-year BDS students.

A total of 1,489 students underwent free dental screenings during the campaign. Examinations were performed using disposable instruments to ensure infection control, while oral health findings were documented for further assessment. Children requiring additional treatment were provided with discount vouchers for care at Rawal Dental Hospital.

Alongside clinical screenings, dental teams conducted awareness sessions focusing on oral hygiene and disease prevention. Students were taught proper toothbrushing techniques through demonstrations using dental models aimed at encouraging healthy habits from an early age.

To reinforce daily oral care practices, oral hygiene kits containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and monthly brushing charts were distributed among participating students. The sessions received an encouraging response from both students and school communities.

The initiative also served as a practical learning opportunity for undergraduate dental students, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in community dentistry, patient communication, and preventive oral healthcare.

According to organizers, the School Screening Program reflects RIHS’s ongoing commitment to community outreach and preventive dentistry while helping train future dental professionals in public health and service-oriented care.

Dental public health experts have consistently emphasized the importance of school-based oral health programs, saying early screening and timely intervention can help reduce the burden of tooth decay, gum disease, and other preventable oral conditions among children.