About 85% of schoolchildren in Qatar experience tooth decay and other oral health problems, according to research conducted by the Hamad Dental Center team in 2014.
Hamad Dental Center at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)  is hosting a number of activities at schools and sports clubs between March 20 and 28 in recognition of World Oral Health Day and GCC Oral Health Week.
World Oral Health Day aims to raise awareness about the important connection between oral health and a person’s general well-being and quality of life. Similarly, GCC Oral Health Week aims to unify activities and awareness programmes that contribute to the promotion of oral and dental health in all GCC countries.
As part of activities planned in recognition of the occasion, Hamad Dental Center staff will visit a number of schools and sports clubs to provide free dental check-ups and counselling. They will also hold workshops and distribute education materials to students and sports club patrons. “We are always keen to raise awareness among Qatar’s population about the importance of oral health and the impact it has on overall health and well-being,” said Dr Mohamed Sultan al-Darwish, consultant, Dental Public Health, Hamad Dental Center, HMC.
Dr al-Darwish said it is important for the public to understand that good oral health is much more than a nice smile. He said that oral diseases can impact every aspect of an individual’s life – including their ability to perform basic physical functions.
“Brushing teeth twice a day, flossing daily and adhering to a healthy diet are simple things we can all do to protect our oral health and overall well-being. “It’s also important to seek professional dental care as soon as an oral health problem arises,” noted Prof Johann de Vries, CEO and director of Hamad Dental Center, HMC.
The World Dental Federation  serves as the principal representative body for more than 1mn dentists globally, developing health policy and continuing education programmes.
The organisation’s 2017 campaign slogan ‘Live Mouth Smart’ was unveiled during its Annual World Dental Congress held in Poland last September. The campaign focuses on smart ways to maintain and protect oral health throughout one’s life.
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