RAWALPINDI: Around 350 schoolchildren received dental screening and oral health education during a community outreach initiative organised by Watim Dental College, as second-year dental students put their classroom learning into practice through preventive dentistry.
Held on October 22, 2026, at Paak Fareezah-e-Tameer Foundation, the Community Outreach Dental Camp and DMFT Screening Programme was organised by the college’s Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry as part of the academic activities for second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students.
The programme combined dental caries screening using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index with oral hygiene education, information about access to dental services and the distribution of oral hygiene kits. It also gave students practical exposure to community-based screening, preventive dental care and health education under the supervision of faculty members and house officers from Watim Dental College and its hospital.
DMFT screening brings dental assessment into the community
Approximately 350 schoolchildren underwent dental caries screening using the DMFT index, a standard tool for recording the number of teeth that are decayed, missing due to dental caries, or filled.
The screening provided second-year BDS students with an opportunity to engage in a structured assessment of children's dental health in a community setting. Conducted under faculty and house officer supervision, the activity linked their academic learning with the practical responsibilities involved in preventive and community dentistry.
Early assessment can help identify dental problems that may require professional attention. However, the programme's organisers did not provide a breakdown of the screening findings or the number of children identified as having dental caries.
By bringing screening services directly to schoolchildren, the initiative also highlighted the value of community outreach in promoting awareness of oral health and encouraging timely dental care.
Oral health education focuses on everyday habits
Alongside the screenings, schoolchildren received guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene, using proper toothbrushing techniques and brushing at an appropriate frequency.
They were also encouraged to attend regular dental check-ups to support the early detection and prevention of oral diseases.
The educational sessions aimed to make preventive dental care more understandable and practical for children. By explaining the importance of consistent oral hygiene and professional dental assessment, the programme encouraged participants to adopt healthy habits and seek timely care rather than wait for oral health problems to worsen.
The combination of screening and education was an important part of the initiative, allowing students to engage with both the assessment of dental health and the communication of preventive advice.
Hygiene kits, discounted services encourage follow-up care
To help participants learn about available dental services and encourage follow-up visits, organisers distributed informational brochures outlining special discounts available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The services listed included free dental consultation, scaling and simple tooth extractions. The brochures provided information about these options so that children and their families could learn about opportunities to access dental care.
Colgate oral hygiene kits were also distributed among the schoolchildren. These kits complemented the educational sessions by providing practical resources to reinforce the importance of proper oral hygiene beyond the camp.
Together, the brochures and hygiene kits extended the programme beyond the screening itself. The initiative sought not only to raise awareness but also to encourage children to maintain good oral hygiene and seek dental services when needed.
Community-based learning strengthens dental education
For second-year BDS students, the camp offered practical experience in applying preventive dentistry principles outside the classroom. Activities such as dental screening and oral health education helped familiarise students with the community-facing responsibilities of dental professionals.
Dentists play an important role not only in diagnosing and treating oral diseases but also in helping people understand how to prevent them. Community outreach can provide future dental professionals with opportunities to develop communication skills, promote healthy behaviours and understand the importance of accessible preventive care.
Dr. Syeda Nadia Firdous, Head of the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry at Watim Dental College, shared details of the programme with Dental News Pakistan and requested coverage of the college's academic and community service initiative.
The activity brought together dental screening, oral health education and information about available services while giving students an opportunity to engage directly with the community.
Through initiatives of this kind, dental colleges can connect academic training with public awareness and preventive care, helping students understand how their future professional roles extend beyond the dental clinic and into the wider community.
Stay informed with Dental News Pakistan
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW Dental News Pakistan for the latest updates on dental education, research, clinical developments, professional opportunities and the people shaping dentistry in Pakistan.