The Faculty of Dentistry at Ain Shams University organized a number of important events as part of the Faculty’s celebration of World Oral Health Day, under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of the University, Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, Prof. Karim El-Batouti, Dean of the Faculty, in cooperation with Prof. Reham Magdy, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Education and Student Affairs, and under the supervision of Prof. Walaa Hamed, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Community Service and Environmental Development.

A medical convoy was organized to serve refugees and immigrants in Ain Shams, with the aim of providing health care and raising awareness about the importance of oral and dental health care, in cooperation with the Egyptian Red Crescent. Medical examinations and health awareness were provided to 30 Sudanese citizens, where comprehensive medical services and examinations for oral and dental health were provided to those present, along with providing the necessary medical consultations for cases that require follow-up or treatment.

An awareness lecture was also organized on the importance of taking care of oral and dental health, which included awareness of the correct methods of brushing teeth and using a toothbrush and toothpaste, with emphasis on the importance of regular check-ups of teeth and gums, explaining the impact of eating habits on oral health and raising awareness of the relationship between mental health and oral and dental health, in addition to distributing oral care tools. A number of faculty staff and intern students participated in the convoy, who provided assistance in medical examinations and health awareness.

The faculty also organized an awareness campaign for the Oncology Department at Demerdash Hospital to improve the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, with the aim of raising their awareness about the impact of radiation on oral and dental health, and how to care for the mouth during the treatment period.

The campaign included giving an awareness lecture using a presentation that addressed the impact of radiation therapy on the mouth and teeth and potential problems, in addition to providing advice on oral health care.

Initial examinations were also conducted for patients and appropriate treatment recommendations were provided. The campaign also included distributing a list of home care instructions with oral care tools, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste.

This is a positive step towards improving the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients by educating them about the importance of oral health care during radiation therapy.

At the end of the two-day celebration, the college organized an awareness event that aimed to highlight the close relationship between mental health and oral health, under the auspices of the World Dental Federation and the Community Service and Environment Affairs Sector, in the presence of Prof. Karim El-Batouti, Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Walaa Hamed, Vice Dean of the College for Environment and Community Service Affairs, Prof. Reham Magdy, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Education and Students Affairs, a number of academics, dentists, students from the Faculties of Pharmacy, Al-Alsun, Girls, Arts and Sciences, and high school students, in addition to nursing and administrators from the Faculty of Dentistry and representatives of the World Dental Federation.

Prof. Karim El-Batouti, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, stressed that oral and dental health is an essential element of public health, as it directly affects the quality of life and the physical and psychological health of individuals. Oral problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, may lead to serious health complications, including heart disease and diabetes.

Adding that prevention and awareness are the two main pillars of maintaining oral health, he praised the pivotal role of dental colleges in spreading awareness and providing health care to the neediest groups; as their role is not limited to academic education only, but extends to include direct interaction with needy groups and providing them with health and awareness support.

The closing ceremony included a discussion session between a number of dentists on the relationship between oral health and mental health, where the mutual effects between oral health and mental health were highlighted.

This was followed by an interactive play, in which theatrical performances were used to deliver awareness messages about the importance of oral health care, which contributed to attracting the attention of the audience and enhancing their understanding of health practices in a fun and innovative way.

The play highlighted the relationship between mental health and oral and dental health, explaining how the psychological state can affect oral health, and vice versa.

The celebration concluded with a workshop on how to manage and control psychological stress, depression and anxiety, with the participation of a number of university students, where effective methods for dealing with psychological stress were discussed.