Dubai:The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has announced the initiation of a new project to implement oral and dental health screenings for Kindergarten 1 (KG1) students in public schools across the United Arab Emirates. This initiative is being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Emirates Health Services (EHS).
According to Wam, this project is part of the UAE's broader commitment to enhance preventive healthcare and prioritize children's health. It is aligned with global strategies on oral health and aims to shift focus from treatment to prevention. The initiative seeks to incorporate regular oral health check-ups as a standard practice from early childhood, emphasizing that dental visits should be for prevention and early detection.
The screenings will be carried out at government health centres managed by EHS or at private healthcare facilities, offering families flexible access to these services. The examinations will concentrate on early detection of dental issues such as caries and gum disease, with the goal of preventing health complications and ensuring children are healthy as they begin their primary education.
Dr. Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at MoHAP, highlighted the project as a long-term investment in building a healthier society and establishing lifelong healthy habits. He emphasized the role of families in maintaining these habits, alongside health and education sectors.
Tareq Al Hashimi from the Ministry of Education reiterated the ministry's support for health initiatives that promote a culture of prevention, enhance educational readiness, and improve children's engagement and learning outcomes.
Dr. Essam Al Zarooni of EHS noted that the project's integration of screening, awareness, and follow-up services aims to identify health issues early and ensure appropriate care pathways, supporting the health and development of children.
Source Wam