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Oral hygiene survey in Dubai schools

Dubai, February 5, 2013

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) said it has began a survey in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO) to access oral hygiene status of the school children in the emirate.

As part of the survey, 5670 students, aged 5, 12 and 15 years across both public and private schools in Dubai will be targeted.

The survey includes screening programs and clinical examinations, which will be carried out by DHA dentists and hygienists according to World Health Organization criteria. Schools across all geographical areas of Dubai will be part of this program.
 
Essa Al Maidoor, the DHA director-general, said: "This research program will provide us with information about the current level of oral healthcare habits of school children in Dubai. It will also help us assess the level of dental knowledge and attitudes among children."

"Once we collate and study this information, we will base our oral healthcare policies and preventative programs in accordance with the results of the survey to ensure we effectively help improve oral health behaviours among school children," said Al Maidoor.

"We believe that formulating preventative programs based on scientific-evidence and research will directly help in reducing the prevalence of dental health problems among children and adolescents in Dubai," she added.

Dr Tariq Khoory, the director of dental services, primary healthcare sector at the DHA, said: “The survey has been undertaken as per WHO guidelines- the age group, sample size etc, is as per the recommendations of the WHO. This survey is of critical importance because oral health problems only get worse with age and therefore educating the youth and encouraging oral health hygiene early on is crucial."

"Often oral health problems are neglected but parents and caregivers need to understand that common oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontitis, tend to cause pain and discomfort subsequently leading to absenteeism and poor performance among pupils," explained Khoory.

He said the aim has to be to inculcate regular oral hygiene among school children and adolescents.

“Several factors such as improved oral hygiene, a sensible approach to sugar consumption and school-based preventive programmes are essential to reduce the problem of caries among school children,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Dubai | Survey | School | hygiene |

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