Asnani School Oral Health Program Promoting Oral Health Among Qatar Youth. As the new academic year begins, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), through its Oral Health Promotion and Prevention Department, led by Dr. Najat Alyafei, has released its annual Asnani School Oral Health Program report for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The report highlights the extensive work done by the program to improve oral health awareness among students, reaching over 60,000 children across Qatar. This initiative underscores the importance of oral health education and preventive care, essential for the long-term well-being of the nation’s youth.
The Importance of Oral Health in Children
Oral health is a crucial aspect of every child’s overall well-being. Dr. Hamad Al Mudahka, Executive Director of Preventative Health at PHCC, emphasized that good oral health is not just about maintaining a bright smile—it plays a critical role in a child’s growth, development, and overall health. By instilling good oral hygiene habits early in life, children are less likely to face serious oral health problems as they grow older.
The Asnani School Oral Health Program focuses on raising awareness about the importance of oral screenings, preventive treatments, and education in maintaining children’s oral health. By reaching young children in kindergartens and primary schools, the program aims to encourage lifelong healthy habits.
Key Findings of the 2023-2024 Report
During the 2023-2024 academic year, 30,214 students from 140 schools participated in the Asnani School Oral Health Program. These students included 3,190 children from 52 kindergartens and 27,024 students from 88 primary schools.
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The program’s report showed some concerning statistics regarding the prevalence of tooth decay. Notably, 70% of kindergarten students (aged 3-5) had experienced tooth decay in their milk teeth, while 36% of primary school students (aged 6-12) had decay in their permanent teeth.
The report also noted that, on average, kindergarten students had three decayed teeth out of 20, while primary school students had one decayed permanent tooth. Interestingly, the data revealed a higher prevalence of tooth decay among girls in primary school compared to boys, although there was no significant difference when comparing different nationalities.
Dr. Hamad Al Mudahka expressed concern over these findings, particularly regarding the high rate of tooth decay in young children. He emphasized the importance of parents taking an active role in monitoring their children’s eating habits and oral hygiene practices. A diet high in sugary foods and drinks, combined with poor oral hygiene, significantly increases a child’s risk of developing cavities.
Promoting Oral Health Through Education and Prevention
A core mission of the Asnani School Oral Health Program is to prevent tooth decay through education and preventive treatments. As part of this initiative, the program provides evidence-based treatments such as fluoride varnish to protect children’s teeth from decay. Fluoride varnish is a highly effective treatment that strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to the acids that cause decay.
The report highlighted that Grade 6 students (typically aged 12), who are part of an important global age group used by the World Health Organization (WHO) for dental health comparison, had a mean DMFT score of 1.6. This score, which measures the number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth, is classified as low caries severity according to WHO standards.
While this is an encouraging figure, Dr. Hamad stressed that continuous efforts are needed to reinforce oral health education throughout primary school and beyond. Parents must ensure that children brush their teeth regularly and correctly until they are old enough to do so independently.
Encouraging Parental Involvement
For the Asnani School Oral Health Program to be truly effective, parental involvement is critical. Dr. Hamad Al Mudahka encouraged parents to give their positive consent annually, allowing their children to participate fully in the program’s preventive care initiatives. By doing so, students can benefit from annual dental check-ups, preventive treatments, and referrals for additional care, such as fillings if needed.
Parental supervision in ensuring daily toothbrushing, limiting sugary snacks, and promoting a healthy diet is essential in reducing the prevalence of tooth decay among children. Early preventive measures, combined with the educational efforts of the Asnani Program, can significantly reduce the long-term impact of dental diseases.
Building a Healthier Future
The Asnani School Oral Health Program is a key initiative in PHCC’s broader efforts to promote preventive healthcare in Qatar. Through education, prevention, and community involvement, the program is helping to improve the oral health of students across the country. As the report shows, while progress is being made, more work is needed to ensure that children develop and maintain healthy oral hygiene practices throughout their lives.
PHCC’s commitment to improving oral health among Qatar’s youth aligns with its mission to provide comprehensive healthcare services that support the overall well-being of the population. By addressing the issue of tooth decay and promoting oral health education, the Asnani School Oral Health Program is paving the way for healthier, brighter smiles for future generations.
Conclusion
The Asnani School Oral Health Program continues to play a pivotal role in Qatar’s efforts to promote oral health and prevent tooth decay among young children. With over 30,000 students participating in the 2023-2024 academic year, the program’s focus on education, preventive treatments, and parental involvement is making a positive impact. However, the high prevalence of tooth decay among young children highlights the need for continued efforts to encourage healthy oral hygiene practices and dietary choices.
By working together—schools, parents, and healthcare providers—Qatar can build a healthier future for its children, ensuring that they grow up with strong teeth, healthy smiles, and a greater understanding of the importance of oral health.