QUETTA: More than 400 schoolchildren received practical lessons on oral hygiene and healthier lifestyle habits through a community awareness initiative led by students of Bolan Medical College (BMC) and Bolan University of Health Sciences (BUMHS) Quetta, highlighting the importance of preventive dentistry in promoting better health from an early age.
The Oral Health Awareness Drive was held at Sardar Bahadur Khan Model School through a collaboration between the Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry at BMC, BUMHS and Colgate Pakistan.
Second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students of Bolan Medical College and students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene programme at BUMHS organised and conducted the activity as part of their community-based health education initiatives.
The programme focused on helping schoolchildren understand the importance of oral hygiene, preventing common dental diseases, adopting healthier dietary habits and maintaining good oral health from childhood.
Rather than relying solely on conventional lectures, the students used interactive presentations and practical demonstrations to make oral health education accessible and engaging. Using dental models, they demonstrated proper toothbrushing and flossing techniques, helping children understand how to maintain effective daily oral hygiene.
Students also prepared educational charts and posters, alongside dental models, to explain oral health concepts in a more visual and understandable way. The interactive approach allowed schoolchildren to engage with the learning material and become familiar with practical steps for caring for their teeth and gums.
Beyond oral healthcare, the initiative incorporated a broader preventive-health component through Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments. These assessments were conducted as part of a student research activity aimed at identifying the prevalence of obesity among primary schoolchildren and promoting awareness of physical health and healthier lifestyles.
The inclusion of BMI assessments extended the programme beyond dental hygiene, connecting oral health education with wider public health concerns and the importance of developing healthy habits during childhood.
Colgate Pakistan supported the initiative through its participation, distributing gifts among all participating students of Sardar Bahadur Khan Model School. The gesture added to the children's enthusiasm and engagement during the programme.
Speaking at the event, Dr Ashfaq Khawaja Khail, Head of the Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry at Bolan Medical College, emphasised the importance of developing positive oral hygiene practices and healthy dietary habits from an early age.
He appreciated the dedication, efforts and commitment of the participating students in organising an educational activity that brought preventive oral healthcare directly to the school community.
Miss Fouzia Nouman, Principal of Sardar Bahadur Khan Model School, acknowledged the importance of conducting oral hygiene awareness sessions in educational institutions and extended her full support to initiatives promoting oral health awareness among schoolchildren.
The participation of BDS and Dental Hygiene students also provided an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a community setting, translating preventive dentistry concepts into practical health education for children.
The initiative reflected the commitment of Bolan Medical College and Bolan University of Health Sciences Quetta to community service, preventive oral healthcare and public health education. By taking oral health awareness beyond the academic environment and directly into schools, the programme highlighted how dental students can help children develop better oral hygiene practices and healthier habits that can continue into adulthood.
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