WDC Abbottabad takes free dental care and oral health education to local communities

ABBOTTABAD: The Department of Community Dentistry at Women Dental College (WDC), Abbottabad, organised a free dental health camp at BHU Nawanshehr and SOS Children's Village, Mangal, extending preventive and basic curative oral healthcare services to underserved communities.

Held on July 1, 2026, the outreach initiative was conducted under the leadership of Dr Qurat-Ul-Ain, Associate Professor, Department of Community Dentistry, with support from the administration of Women Dental College and in collaboration with Rehmat Memorial Hospital.

The camp brought together faculty members, staff, dental surgeons from Rehmat Memorial Hospital, assistant and laboratory staff, and second- and third-year BDS students, who worked collectively to provide oral health services and educational activities.

Services offered at both sites included oral health screenings and examinations, restorative procedures such as tooth-coloured fillings, scaling, oral health counselling and demonstrations of proper tooth-brushing techniques using dental models. Patients requiring advanced treatment were referred to Rehmat Memorial Hospital for further management.

At BHU Nawanshehr, the team screened 100 individuals and provided dental treatment, including restorative procedures and scaling, to 30 patients. At SOS Children's Village, Mangal, 75 children underwent oral health screening, while 25 children received restorative treatment for dental caries. Portable dental units were utilised to provide chairside treatment to the children.

The outreach team also distributed oral hygiene goody packs among participating children and conducted oral health education sessions aimed at promoting preventive practices and encouraging healthy habits from an early age.

Overall, the initiative screened 175 individuals and delivered treatment to 55 patients, highlighting the need for accessible community-based oral healthcare services and preventive dental interventions.

WDC Abbottabad said the initiative reflected its commitment to community service, preventive dentistry and public health while providing dental students with practical learning experiences beyond the classroom. The college added that such outreach activities play an important role in promoting oral health awareness and fostering socially responsible future dental professionals.