With the new school year approaching, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) emphasizes that back-to-school preparations should go beyond textbooks and uniforms to include a greater focus on children’s oral health.
Dr. Najat Alyafei, PHCC’s Oral Health Promotion and Prevention Manager, emphasized that oral health directly impacts children’s comfort and academic performance. Even minor issues like tooth decay or gum inflammation can lead to missed classes and negatively impact learning outcomes.
To address these issues, Dr. Alyafei outlined the “Asnani” School Oral Health Program, a nationwide initiative that aims to safeguard the oral health of public school students through two key components.
The first component focuses on kindergarten children, who are taken to health centers equipped with dedicated dental care units.
During these visits, children participate in interactive activities and learn proper oral care techniques in a fun and age-appropriate manner. They also receive dental exams and fluoride smears to help prevent tooth decay.
The second component targets elementary school students. Nine dental teams regularly visit public schools to conduct oral health awareness sessions, dental screenings, and fluoride treatments. Participation requires parental consent, which is distributed by the school.
Dr. Alyafei explained that the program extends beyond student care. The dental team also conducts “Oral Health Ambassador” sessions for teachers and staff to help them promote healthy habits within the school community.
She expressed concern that many of the students reached by the program have never used a toothbrush, highlighting the urgent need for early oral health education. Dr. Alyafei urged parents to sign the consent form to ensure their children benefit from the Asnani program and develop lifelong healthy habits.