The Department of Geriatric Dentistry at the School of Dentistry of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) successfully concluded its educational and social engagement activities for the 2024-2025 academic year, continuing its 14-year commitment to improving oral health among older adults, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups.
This series of activities was implemented through a service-learning module within the compulsory tenth semester course “Geriatric Dentistry” and the “Smiling Life” program within the “CIVIS Intergenerational Community Open Lab.”
As part of the service-learning project, students and faculty members visited several nursing homes in Athens weekly from March to the end of May to provide oral health education and clinical services.
Using mobile dental equipment, students conducted comprehensive examinations, provided feedback to residents and their caregivers on their oral health, and taught daily oral and denture care techniques. Free oral care products were also distributed.
In addition, the School of Dentistry and the Department of Nursing at the University of West Attica jointly launched the “Interdisciplinary Education Program in Geriatric Care,” fostering collaboration and professional exchange between dental and nursing students to provide integrated, patient-centered care for nursing home residents.
In terms of civic engagement, students and faculty collaborated with local social organizations to organize oral health education activities for various demographics, including the general elderly, patients with early-stage dementia, caregivers of frail elderly individuals, and nursing home staff.
The activities were tailored to the needs of the target audiences and included theoretical presentations, practical training, leaflet distribution, and free product giveaways.
Highlights included:
April 9, 2025: Participation in a seminar organized by the Athens Alzheimer’s Association at the Piraeus City Library, themed “I Care About Your Smile: The Role of Oral Health in Dementia Care.”
May 15, 2025: An oral health workshop for patients and caregivers at the Dementia Day Center in Pagrati, combining theory, practical exercises, and examinations.
May 16-23, 2025: A series of training sessions for nursing staff in Athens nursing homes, teaching them basic oral examination techniques and how to provide daily oral care for older adults with functional limitations.
May 22, 2025: An educational event on the theme “Oral Health Forever” with practical demonstrations was held at the Second Municipal Day Center for Seniors in Galati.
June 12, 2025: A similar event was held at the First Municipal Day Center for Seniors in Daphni, in close collaboration with the Deputy Mayor for Public Health.
These fruitful activities were made possible through the excellent collaboration of various social partners, including the Athens Nursing Home, the Alzheimer’s Association, the municipalities of Galati and Daphni-Hymitos, and the coordination teams of the day centers for seniors.
The School of Dentistry also expressed its sincere gratitude to the oral care product sponsors Oral-B, Plac Control, Haleon, and Colgate, whose continued support has ensured the smooth implementation of the project.
