KARACHI: Dental problems in children can go unnoticed without timely attention and appropriate assessment. Bringing oral health screening into the school environment, the Department of Community & Preventive Dentistry at Hamdard University Dental Hospital conducted a community-based oral health promotion and screening activity at Customs Public School, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, to identify children who may require further dental evaluation and strengthen awareness of preventive dental care.
The activity, held in collaboration with Second Professional BDS students, focused on screening schoolchildren, promoting good oral hygiene practices, identifying potential dental care needs and encouraging early intervention through appropriate referral.
Under the supervision of Dr. Syed Muzammil Ali Shah, Dr. Saima Asim, Dr. Shikoh Naz, Dr. Mudassir and Dr. Abdul Rauf, participating students took part in oral health education and preliminary screening, applying their academic knowledge in a community setting.
By bringing the activity to a school, the department aimed to make oral health awareness and preliminary assessment accessible within the children's everyday learning environment. The initiative also highlighted the importance of preventive dental care and recognising when a child may need further professional attention.
Screening focuses on early identification and preventive care
The activity was designed around four key objectives: conducting oral health screening of schoolchildren, promoting awareness of oral hygiene and preventive dental care, identifying children requiring further dental evaluation, and encouraging early intervention and appropriate referral.
These objectives placed prevention and early identification at the centre of the initiative. Alongside the screening exercise, oral health education provided an opportunity to reinforce the importance of maintaining oral hygiene and seeking professional assessment when dental concerns arise.
The school-based approach also enabled students to engage directly with the community and understand how preventive dentistry can extend beyond conventional clinical settings.
BDS students receive practical training in community dentistry
The initiative also formed a practical learning experience for Second Professional BDS students.
Before participating in the activity, students received training in oral health education, clinical examination procedures and community outreach. They were also introduced to the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form (2004), which was used as the assessment framework for the screening exercise.
Following this preparation, students participated in oral screening and health education at the school, putting their theoretical learning into practice.
The experience provided exposure to the practical aspects of community dentistry, including engaging with schoolchildren, conducting preliminary oral assessments and communicating preventive oral health messages. It also connected their academic training with the broader role of dental professionals in promoting oral health and identifying individuals who may need further care.
Assessment forms to determine further dental care needs
The screening activity is to be followed by a review of the completed assessment forms to identify children who may require additional dental evaluation.
As part of the planned follow-up, a formal letter will be submitted to the school principal recommending appropriate preventive measures, further assessment and treatment wherever indicated.
This follow-up process is intended to ensure that children identified as potentially needing dental attention can be guided towards appropriate care. The screening itself represents an initial assessment; any further evaluation or treatment will depend on the needs identified through the review process.
The planned communication with the school will also provide recommendations on preventive measures that can support oral health awareness among its pupils.
Hamdard acknowledges school and university support
The Department of Community & Preventive Dentistry expressed its sincere gratitude to Principal Madeem Farhana Pirzada and the administration of Customs Public School for their cooperation and support in facilitating the activity.
The department also acknowledged Principal Professor Dr. Imran Hassan of Hamdard University Dental Hospital, as well as the participating faculty members and staff, for their valuable support.
The initiative brought together oral health promotion, preliminary screening and practical student training, highlighting the importance of connecting dental education with community needs.
By taking screening and preventive health messages into a school setting, Hamdard University Dental Hospital sought to encourage greater awareness of children's oral health while providing its BDS students with practical exposure to community-based dental care.
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