KARACHI: Dental students from Baqai Dental College conducted oral health awareness sessions for women and schoolchildren during a community field visit to the Family Welfare Centre (FWC) in Lyari, focusing on preventive dental care, proper brushing techniques and daily oral hygiene practices.
Organized by the Department of Community Dentistry at Baqai Dental College, the visit aimed to promote oral health awareness among community members while providing students with practical experience in community-based preventive dentistry.
The field visit was conducted under the supervision of Professor Dr. Asghar Ali Shigri, accompanied by Dr. Samreen, Dr. Noman and Dr. Mohsin Abbas.
Students highlight essential oral hygiene practices
During the visit, students conducted oral health education sessions for women and schoolchildren, emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistent oral hygiene to help prevent common dental problems, including dental caries and periodontal diseases.
The sessions highlighted the importance of brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Students also explained the need to follow the correct brushing technique and avoid aggressive brushing, which can damage the gums and contribute to tooth wear.
Interdental cleaning with dental floss was another key component of the educational activities. Participants were encouraged to understand the importance of cleaning between their teeth in addition to brushing their tooth surfaces as part of a comprehensive daily oral hygiene routine.
By focusing on practical preventive measures, the sessions aimed to help participants understand how everyday oral care habits can reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Community outreach strengthens students’ practical skills
Beyond raising awareness among community members, the field visit provided dental students with an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a community setting.
The experience helped strengthen their communication and health education skills while allowing them to engage directly with women and schoolchildren on the importance of oral hygiene and preventive dental care.
Such field-based learning is an important component of community dentistry, connecting classroom teaching with public health education and highlighting the role of dental professionals in promoting oral disease prevention beyond clinical settings.
The visit also reinforced the importance of making oral health education accessible to different groups within the community through clear, practical guidance on habits that support long-term dental health.
Baqai Dental College reinforces preventive dentistry
According to the submitted report, the visit was an informative and valuable learning experience. It connected theoretical knowledge with practical community engagement and reinforced students’ understanding of the role of community dentistry in oral disease prevention and health promotion.
By combining oral health education with practical learning, the initiative highlighted how dental education institutions can contribute to public health through community outreach and preventive care awareness.
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