Dentists Teach Oral Hygiene To Pupils
Nov 27, 2002
DOCTORS on Monday took over the role of teachers at Kawempe Muslim Primary School when they started offering lessons to over 900 pupils on oral health education, reports <b>Charles Ariko.</b>
DOCTORS on Monday took over the role of teachers at Kawempe Muslim Primary School when they started offering lessons to over 900 pupils on oral health education, reports Charles Ariko.
The doctors, accompanied by dental health practitioners, were launching the dental awareness week which is held annually to sensitise the communities on the importance of oral hygiene.
Teachers became onlookers as the dental practitioners gave tips and demonstrated to pupils how to correctly use tooth brushes. Pupils who excelled in the lessons received free tooth brushes and toothpaste.
Dr. Lenni Kyomuhangi, the vice-president of the Uganda Dental Association, said every year, the association goes to different schools in the country to educate pupils about the importance of good oral hygiene.
“We normally go to primary schools because we believe that once the habit of oral hygiene is instilled early, children grow up with it. We also tell them that dentists are good people who should not be feared,†Kyomuhangi said.
She said whenever someone mentions the word dentist, children, and adults think of the extraction of their teeth.
“Most people ignore the services of the dentists. They only come when the problem has worsened and the dentist is left with no other option but to remove the bad tooth,†she said.Ends
The doctors, accompanied by dental health practitioners, were launching the dental awareness week which is held annually to sensitise the communities on the importance of oral hygiene.
Teachers became onlookers as the dental practitioners gave tips and demonstrated to pupils how to correctly use tooth brushes. Pupils who excelled in the lessons received free tooth brushes and toothpaste.
Dr. Lenni Kyomuhangi, the vice-president of the Uganda Dental Association, said every year, the association goes to different schools in the country to educate pupils about the importance of good oral hygiene.
“We normally go to primary schools because we believe that once the habit of oral hygiene is instilled early, children grow up with it. We also tell them that dentists are good people who should not be feared,†Kyomuhangi said.
She said whenever someone mentions the word dentist, children, and adults think of the extraction of their teeth.
“Most people ignore the services of the dentists. They only come when the problem has worsened and the dentist is left with no other option but to remove the bad tooth,†she said.Ends