DT News - Pakistan - Shining smiles, stronger community: IMDC’s outreach boosts oral health in rural communities

Dental Tribune Pakistan

Wed. 8 October 2025

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ISLAMABAD: The Department of Community Dentistry at Islamabad Medical and Dental College (IMDC) has been actively advancing its mission to improve oral health among underserved and low-income communities across Pakistan. Guided by a deep sense of social responsibility and academic commitment, the department continues to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world community impact.

Under the leadership of Dr. Sheze Haroon Qazi, Head of the Department and Associate Professor, and supported by Dr. Saba Masoud (Assistant Professor) and Dr. Hajra Shahid (Lecturer), the department has successfully launched several oral health initiatives this year. These include school-based dental programs, mobile dental outreach services, and structured student training programs, all designed to enhance oral health outcomes while reducing disparities in access to care.

In collaboration with Colgate Palmolive Pakistan, the department organized a comprehensive oral health outreach initiative targeting children from low socioeconomic backgrounds in Barakahu, Islamabad. Nearly 3,000 school children benefitted from this large-scale program, which combined education, prevention, and treatment.

During the outreach, IMDC’s team — comprising dental students, house officers, and faculty members — conducted oral health screenings and delivered engaging educational sessions on toothbrushing techniques, diet, and preventive oral hygiene. The team also provided essential preventive dental treatments, including Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) applications, Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) restorations, scaling, and fluoride varnish treatments. These services not only addressed existing dental issues but also equipped children and teachers with practical knowledge to maintain lifelong oral health.

Such community-driven programs are made possible through meaningful partnerships and collaborations with local schools, non-governmental organizations, and corporate partners committed to improving public health. Colgate Palmolive’s continued partnership with IMDC stands as a testament to the shared vision of promoting preventive oral health care across Pakistan.

Beyond clinical service, these initiatives hold immense educational value. They provide IMDC’s dental students with invaluable field exposure, reinforcing the principles of empathy, teamwork, and patient-centered care. By participating in these outreach activities, students learn to understand the broader social determinants of health and the importance of preventive dentistry in improving community well-being.

The Department of Community Dentistry at IMDC continues to nurture a culture of excellence in public health dentistry by recognizing and celebrating the commitment of its students and faculty members. Their collective efforts embody IMDC’s dedication to advancing dental education while serving society — preparing the next generation of dental professionals to lead with compassion, competence, and community focus.

Through these sustained efforts, IMDC reaffirms its role as a leading institution not only in academic and clinical excellence but also in social responsibility, ensuring that quality oral health care reaches those who need it most.