KARACHI: Second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students at Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM) showcased their scientific knowledge, creativity and communication skills at the institute’s 3rd Annual Poster Competition, organised by the Department of Community Dentistry to promote community oral health awareness and preventive dentistry.
The competition provided students with an academic platform to explore important dental and public health themes and present scientific information through creative, informative and visually engaging posters. The initiative also encouraged them to develop the skills needed to communicate oral health messages clearly and effectively to wider audiences.
The event was organised under the guidance of Dr Amir Akbar Shaikh, Head of the Department of Community Dentistry, with support from Dr Naseer Ahmed, Associate Professor, and demonstrators Dr Fatima Jafri, Dr Nikita Bodani and Dr Danial Ahmed.
Students participated enthusiastically, preparing posters on a range of topics related to community oral health, preventive dentistry and dental care. Their presentations reflected their understanding of the subject matter and their ability to combine scientific information with originality, visual communication and accessible health messaging.
The competition was attended by Dr Mahmood Shah, President of the Pakistan Dental Association (PDA), as chief guest. Distinguished guests of honour included Prof. Dr Muhammad Altamash, President of Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine; Dr Shaheena, Executive Dean; Prof. Dr Hasnain Sakrani, Principal; and Prof. Dr Sheema Farhan, Vice Principal of AIDM.
Their presence highlighted the academic importance of the initiative and provided encouragement to students participating in the competition.
A distinguished panel of external judges evaluated the posters, assessing their originality, scientific accuracy, creativity and overall presentation. The panel comprised Dr Hassan Shahid, Prof. Dr Saima Butt, Dr Mohsin Haider, Dr Ujala Faisal and Dr Tahira Hyder.
The judges also offered constructive feedback to help students strengthen their academic work, improve their presentation skills and develop greater confidence in communicating scientific concepts. The evaluation process provided participants with an opportunity to learn from experienced dental professionals and refine their approach to presenting oral health information.
Dr Rafia Ruaz and Dr Nikita Bodani hosted the event, guiding the proceedings and helping ensure the smooth conduct of the competition.
The Department of Community Dentistry described the competition as an academic and co-curricular initiative designed to encourage creative thinking while strengthening students’ ability to communicate important oral health messages. By bringing scientific learning and visual communication together, the event also reinforced the role of preventive dentistry in promoting oral health awareness within communities.
The department extended its appreciation to all participating students, faculty members, judges and distinguished guests for their contributions to the event.
The competition underscored the value of introducing future dental professionals to health communication alongside their clinical and academic training. The ability to explain preventive practices, present evidence-based information and engage communities is an important part of dentistry’s wider contribution to public health.
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