UCMD dental student leads oral health screening of 600+ in Skardu

LAHORE: In a remarkable display of service-driven healthcare education, Khawaja Ahmad Aman, a final year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student at University College of Medicine and Dentistry (UCMD), led a free community dental screening camp this summer at Government High School, Shigar, nestled in the remote valley of Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan.

The outreach initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Pakistan Association of Dental Students (PADS), provided oral health screening and hygiene education to over 600 individuals, including students, parents, and local residents — many of whom had limited access to dental care.

“I helped lead an impactful project with the Pakistan Association of Dental Students,” said Khawaja. “It was a journey of service, learning, and connecting with the community.”

Learning beyond the classroom

Backed by the values of UCMD, this real-world engagement offered a transformative opportunity for Khawaja and fellow volunteers. They distributed hygiene kits, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, and awareness leaflets written in Urdu, designed to empower the local population with practical oral hygiene tips and disease prevention techniques.

The camp also served as a platform for experiential learning, where Khawaja and his team enhanced their clinical, communication, and leadership skills in a resource-limited environment.

“That motivates me to keep doing my best,” Khawaja shared in response to praise from his faculty and peers.

A reflection of UCMD’s mission

The initiative reflects UCMD’s strong commitment to building socially responsible future doctors who embody empathy, public health responsibility, and ethical practice. The university congratulated Khawaja Ahmad Aman on his leadership and continues to promote community-based learning through medical camps and outreach programs.

By bridging the gap between healthcare education and community service, this project also contributes to improving oral health literacy and access in underserved mountainous regions.