Update on the free dental camps for the underprivileged community

Our work has been progressing steadily, earning recognition from prominent institutions like Aga Khan University, largely due to our consistent and well-organized efforts. This recognition is also due in part to the presence of a supervisor on our team who is affiliated with this esteemed institution, which itself is connected to the World Health Organization (WHO).

As the year comes to a close, we are focused on meeting our goal of conducting 20 dental camps by year-end. Since 2024 marks the beginning of what we hope will be many years of conducting free dental camps, we have devised a plan to expand our reach in the coming months and throughout 2025. Our new focus will be on targeting even more underdeveloped areas of Pakistan, particularly rural regions where many children lack basic literacy skills.

Our primary objective is to promote oral hygiene and health education among the younger generation. By instilling these concepts in children from an early age, we aim to foster a better understanding of how to care for one of the most vital parts of the body. In a country like Pakistan, where oral health is widely neglected, oral cancer has become the second most prevalent form of cancer.

Why is this the case? One major contributing factor is the widespread consumption of carcinogenic substances such as raw tobacco and betel nuts. However, the lack of awareness surrounding oral health is another significant cause. Many people avoid visiting the dentist, not only because they do not consider it necessary but also because dental treatments tend to be expensive. Additionally, people often feel that they can live without addressing dental issues, unlike, for instance, a leg fracture that immediately impairs mobility.

Therefore, our mission is to emphasize the importance of oral health education for the younger generation. While previous generations may not have prioritized oral health, we can at least try to ensure that the next generation is better equipped to maintain their dental well-being. This effort is crucial if we are to combat the widespread oral health issues that continue to affect the population.

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During August, September, and October, our team has dedicated efforts to cover government schools in the eastern part of Karachi. This region comprises at least six towns, each housing numerous government schools. However, many of these schools still operate under outdated administrative systems reminiscent of the 1800s, making it challenging for us to select which schools to focus on. To maintain the quality of our outreach, we narrowed our selection to 6-10 schools within these towns.

To ensure that the dentists volunteering with us remain motivated and committed, we recognized the need to provide them with certain incentives. While some individuals are willing to volunteer for charitable reasons, not everyone is inclined to offer their services without some form of recognition. As a result, we decided to offer certificates of appreciation to our volunteers, which would not only acknowledge their contributions but also add significant value to their CVs, enhancing their professional profiles.

Recently, we conducted a visit to another school with a team of seven volunteers. The primary goal of this visit was to establish an outpatient department to carry out oral health checkups for 85 children. Our focus was to examine their oral cavities and provide them with essential guidance on maintaining oral hygiene. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, we were unable to distribute toothbrushes or toothpaste on this occasion, which we usually provide during our camps.

One particularly interesting case I came across involved a student with an ectopic tooth eruption in the lower jaw. For those unfamiliar, an ectopic tooth eruption occurs when a tooth emerges in an abnormal location, where it isn’t supposed to grow. A common example of this is a lower lateral incisor erupting out of place. This condition can cause various complications, including discomfort and misalignment of other teeth. Identifying and addressing such issues early is crucial to prevent further dental problems and ensure proper oral health in the future.

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This camp, like the others we’ve organized in recent months, was a resounding success. We were thrilled to see the children taking an active interest in learning more about oral hygiene. Many of them asked insightful and leading questions, which motivated us to provide detailed answers and engage with them further. It was truly a pleasure to work with such eager young minds, and their enthusiasm inspires us to continue doing our part for the future generation.

However, one ongoing challenge we face is managing the budget. Since we do not receive support from larger organizations for these camps, we are entirely dependent on donations. We have to use our own finances, seek funds from various institutes, and rely on generous contributions. Even with these efforts, we sometimes fall short of the necessary budget. This financial struggle is a constant obstacle, yet we remain committed to our mission.

With your support, we hope to continue this important work with the same level of dedication and passion. Every bit of assistance helps us move closer to our goal of improving oral health awareness among children, especially in underserved areas. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the next generation’s well-being and health.

Regards,
Dr Huzaifa Naveed