ABBOTTABAD: Demonstrating that dental education extends far beyond lecture halls and clinics, the Department of Community Dentistry at Women Dental College (WDC), Abbottabad, organised a free dental health camp aimed at bringing essential oral healthcare services directly to communities in need.
The outreach initiative was conducted at BHU Nawanshehr and SOS Children's Village, Mangal, under the leadership of Dr Qurat-Ul-Ain, Associate Professor, Department of Community Dentistry, with the support of the administration of Women Dental College and in collaboration with Rehmat Memorial Hospital.
The initiative reflected WDC Abbottabad's commitment to community service, preventive dentistry and public health by combining dental care delivery with oral health education and hands-on learning opportunities for future dental professionals.
Faculty members, staff, dental surgeons from Rehmat Memorial Hospital, assistant and laboratory staff, and second- and third-year BDS students actively participated in the camp, working together to provide essential services to children and families.
At both locations, community members received oral health screening and examinations, restorative treatments including tooth-coloured fillings, scaling procedures and personalised oral health education sessions. Demonstrations on proper tooth-brushing techniques were also conducted using dental models to promote healthy oral hygiene practices.
At BHU Nawanshehr, the outreach team screened 100 individuals, while 30 patients received treatment, including restorative procedures and scaling services. Patients requiring advanced or comprehensive dental care were referred to Rehmat Memorial Hospital for further management.
At SOS Children's Village, Mangal, the focus centred on improving children's oral health. A total of 75 children underwent oral health screening, and 25 children received restorative treatment for dental caries. Portable dental units were utilised to provide chairside treatment at the site, ensuring that children received timely care in a familiar environment.
The team also conducted oral health education sessions and distributed oral hygiene goody packs among participating children to encourage preventive care and healthy habits from an early age.
Overall, the camp provided screenings to 175 individuals and delivered treatment to 55 patients, highlighting both the demand for accessible oral healthcare services and the importance of community-based preventive interventions.
The successful completion of the initiative underscored the vital role academic institutions can play in advancing public health. By taking oral healthcare directly into communities, WDC Abbottabad reinforced its mission of nurturing socially responsible dental professionals while promoting oral health awareness and preventive care among underserved populations.
The outreach initiative stands as an example of how dental education, community engagement and preventive healthcare can come together to create meaningful and lasting impacts beyond the classroom.
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