School kids benefit from LCMD’s preventive dental outreach

KARACHI: The Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry at Liaquat College of Medicine & Dentistry (LCMD) held a comprehensive oral health awareness and assessment camp at Al-Furqan Welfare Organization’s school. The initiative aimed to promote preventive dental care, foster good hygiene practices, and provide valuable clinical experience to future dental professionals.

Under the guidance of Dr. Anjum Fahad, Head of the Department, and faculty members Dr. Seema, Dr. Hassan Sadiq, and Dr. Mahnoor Abid, second-year BDS students performed dental screenings for more than 90 students from grades 4 to 8. These screenings allowed early identification of oral health concerns in a supportive, educational environment.

Fluoride varnish application for decay prevention

In a focused effort to prevent dental decay, Dr. Aisha Faisal, Head of Pediatric Dentistry, applied fluoride varnish to the students’ teeth. This clinically proven treatment strengthens enamel and is particularly effective in school-based preventive programs.

Hygiene kits and child-friendly education

Each student received an oral hygiene kit and a custom goody bag containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and age-appropriate educational materials designed to encourage healthy brushing habits at home. The kits were thoughtfully assembled by second-year BDS students and dental house officers, who also prepared informative posters for the camp.

Enriching experience for students and faculty

This outreach was a collaborative effort between the Community and Pediatric Dentistry departments, reflecting LCMD’s commitment to community service and hands-on learning. The dental students’ compassionate engagement helped the children feel comfortable, while also allowing the students to gain real-world insights into preventive dentistry and oral health advocacy.

“Serving Smiles,” as the initiative was titled, embodies LCMD’s educational mission to shape empathetic, skilled professionals who contribute meaningfully to public health. By blending clinical training with community care, the camp served as a model for service-based learning in dentistry.