Thumbay Hospital, Ajman Private Education Affairs Office launch oral health screening drive

Thumbay Dental Hospital, in collaboration with the Ajman Private
Education Affairs Office, has launched a large-scale Oral Health Awareness and
Screening Drive targeting 85,000 children aged 5 to 14 years across the
Northern Emirates. This initiative, running throughout the 2024-2025 academic
year, will offer free oral health screenings and consultations to primary and
secondary school students in private schools.

The drive aims to promote essential oral health practices, raise
awareness about preventive care, and address common dental issues among
children, particularly in the areas of oral hygiene, alignment, and dietary
habits. The initiative will be implemented in schools across Ajman, as part of
Thumbay Dental Hospital’s commitment to improving the oral health of young
individuals in the UAE.

Speaking about the initiative, H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Al Hashmi, Director
General of the Private Education Office in Ajman, commented, “We are delighted
to partner with Thumbay Dental Hospital, as this collaboration represents new
opportunities for synergy between the public and private sectors. This partnership
underscores our shared commitment to enhancing the standard of healthcare and
education in the Emirate, while providing students with a holistic environment
that nurtures both academic and personal development. The initiative further
strengthens our ongoing efforts to launch innovative health and wellness
programs, promoting preventative care and awareness. With this collaboration,
we aim to ensure that students in Ajman receive the highest quality of oral
healthcare, adhering to international standards, which is integral to their
overall well-being and academic success.”

For younger students in primary schools, the focus will be on preventive
and therapeutic measures, including education about proper brushing techniques,
the importance of regular dental check-ups, and the prevention of dental
caries. Thumbay Dental Hospital’s team of expert pediatric dentists,
periodontists, and dental hygienists will provide guidance on maintaining oral
hygiene and offer basic treatment where necessary. On the other hand, for
secondary school students, the drive will focus on more specialized oral health
concerns, including alignment issues, crowding, speech impairments, and the
effects of dietary habits. The campaign will also address psychological
aspects, such as boosting confidence and enhancing self-esteem through proper
dental care.

Schools like Delhi Private School Ajman, which has already hosted a
successful drive, have expressed immense satisfaction with the program’s
effectiveness in improving the dental awareness of their students. “We are
incredibly grateful to the Ministry of Education – Ajman for their support of
this initiative,” said Dr. Danavanthi Sadashiv Bangera, Medical Director,
Thumbay Dental Hospital. “By screening over 85,000 children across the Northern
Emirates, we are taking a significant step towards addressing potential risk
factors before they become more serious.

This drive not only focuses on prevention but also on educating children
about the scientific foundations of good oral hygiene, including the prevention
of tooth decay, gum disease, and alignment issues. Our goal is to instill
healthy dental habits that will last a lifetime and improve their overall
well-being.”

The screenings will include comprehensive oral health assessments, providing
each child with a personalized oral health report that will offer
recommendations for treatment, further screening, or follow-up care. By
leveraging Thumbay Dental Hospital’s expertise and advanced technology, the
initiative will also focus on increasing awareness about orthodontic treatments
and their benefits for older children, particularly in relation to speech,
alignment, and overall dental aesthetics.

“We understand that team-based care is best for patients and providers
alike. Thanks to the extraordinary support of the Ajman Private Education
Affairs Office, students will now have access to comprehensive oral health
education and screening in a truly collaborative environment. In addition to
providing the next generation with the means to take charge of their dental
health, this program promotes prevention, early detection, and comprehensive
care throughout the Northern Emirates,” said Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice
President, Thumbay Healthcare.

Thumbay Dental Hospital, the largest academic dental hospital in the
Middle East region operated by the Thumbay Group, is a state-of-the-art
facility offering comprehensive dental care across a wide range of specialties.
Spanning 37,000 sq. ft. with 72 dental chairs, the hospital provides
high-quality services in General Dentistry, Orthodontics, Paedodontics,
Periodontics, Implants, Cosmetic Dentistry, and more. Equipped with advanced
technologies like CBCT 3D Dental Imaging, laser dentistry, and endodontic
microscopes, it ensures precise and effective treatments. As part of the Gulf
Medical University Academic Health System (GMUAHS), Thumbay Dental Hospital
also serves as a leading academic institution, committed to advancing dental
education and research while providing personalized care in a patient-friendly
environment.