On March 13, as the world geared up to celebrate World Oral Health Day (WOHD), the Department of Community Dentistry in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria visited the Melusi Holistic Primary Health Centre, Pretoria West. The 20^th of March marks World Oral Health Day, a global celebration emphasising the importance of oral health and its impact on overall well-being.

UP Dentistry calebrates World Oral Health Day by sharing  the gift of healthier smiles

Nestled within the Melusi Informal Settlement, lies the Happy Sabby and Regae Day Care Centres, where enthusiastic young learners eagerly awaited the arrival of their oral health heroes. Led by the Department of Community Dentistry, in collaboration with SAPRIN, this community engagement project aimed to provide oral health education and screenings to children who may not have access to regular dental care.

The oral health team, which comprised of second and third-year Oral Hygiene students, final-year Dentistry students, Oral Hygienists, Dentists and Dental Specialists descended upon the Melusi Holistic Primary Health Centre, armed with compassion and expertise. Their mission was to raise awareness by giving oral hygiene education to empower the young residents of Melusi with the knowledge and tools to safeguard their smiles for a lifetime. The second aim was to screen the learners and identify the oral disease burden in order to develop a strategy to treat their oral diseases.

UP Dentistry students take action on World Oral Health Day

Under the watchful eye of Professor Ntombizodwa Nkambule, Community Dentistry Specialist at the University of Pretoria, the outreach demonstrated the University's commitment to broaden the outreach services promoting equity and providing accessible healthcare services.

Prof. Ahmed Bhayat, Prof. Sindisiwe Shangase, and Prof. Ntombizodwa Nkambule join hands at the World Oral Health Day event, paving the way for healthier smiles in Melusi

The day commenced with oral hygiene education sessions, emphasising healthy diet by making healthier choices easier choices, preventive measures such as proper brushing techniques and the importance of dental care.

This was followed by extensive oral health screenings and examinations, ensuring each child received personalised attention and guidance. Following the thorough screenings and examinations, any child identified with dental emergencies and requiring specialised care was referred to nearby clinics such as Daspoort Polyclinic or to the University of Pretoria Oral Health Centre.

The significance of this outreach programme extends beyond a single day's event. It echoes the broader mission of World Oral Health Day, aimed at realisation that oral health is part of general well-being so that learners can take control of their oral health. Speaking about the significance of the initiative, Professor Ahmed Bhayat, Head of the Department of Community Dentistry at the School of Dentistry, remarked, "Our goal is to empower these young children to take control of their oral health from an early age. By providing oral health education, demonstrating proper brushing techniques, and giving the children toothpaste and toothbrushes, especially for those who may not have access to these essentials at home, we offer a platform to improve and maintain the children’s oral health."

Richard Meyer, the general manager for CuraProx South Africa, underscored the significance of extending access to oral health care beyond exclusive sectors. "World Oral Health Day advocates for universal promotion of oral health. It's crucial that oral health services reach all communities, not just those in the private sector, which motivated our partnership with the School of Dentistry," he emphasised.

CuraProx, event sponsor, supports universal oral health promotion on World Oral Health Day 

"We recognise that many people in the community may not have access to dental care," remarked Professor Sindisiwe Londiwe Shangase, Chair of the School of Dentistry and CEO of University of Pretoria Oral and Dental Hospital. "Our efforts are focused on improving not only oral health but overall well-being. By improving oral health, we believe you can positively impact other aspects of health and overall quality of life for community members," she added.

This outreach initiative, conducted as part of community engagement, builds upon a research study conducted by the Department of Community Dentistry in 2021. The study aimed to assess the oral health status at early learning development facilities and included examinations of weight and height, as well as the implementation of guidance and nutritional programmes.

The department is committed to continue providing such platforms in rural and low socio-economic backgrounds to ensure that all children across South Africa can have happy smiles.