Dr. Najat Alyafei, Manager of Oral Health Promotion and Prevention at the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), stressed that as the new academic year approaches, family preparations should not be limited to books and school uniforms, but must also include attention to children’s oral health. She noted that oral health has a direct impact on a child’s comfort and academic performance, pointing out that even minor issues such as tooth decay or gum inflammation can lead to school absences and negatively affect learning outcomes.

She added that the “Asnani” School Oral Health Program serves as a national initiative to safeguard the oral health of children in government schools and has been designed to meet the needs of different age groups through two main components. The first is dedicated to kindergarten students, who, according to scheduled plans, are taken to health centers equipped with specialized dental care rooms. During these visits, children engage in interactive activities designed to raise awareness and teach proper oral care habits in an enjoyable and age-appropriate way. They then undergo dental check-ups in designated clinics, where fluoride is applied as a preventive measure against tooth decay.

The second component targets primary school students. Nine dental teams visit government schools according to approved schedules, delivering age-appropriate awareness lectures, conducting dental examinations, and applying fluoride treatments. Dr. Alyafei emphasized that the implementation of these activities requires parental consent, which is obtained through forms distributed to students in their schools.

She further explained that the role of the Asnani Program is not limited to student check-ups. The dental teams also deliver the “Oral Health Ambassadors” lecture to school teaching and administrative staff during their visits, aiming to spread awareness and promote healthy practices within the school community. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that adolescents in preparatory and secondary schools continue to maintain regular oral hygiene, visit dental clinics routinely, and avoid delays in seeking treatment. Dr. Alyafei noted with concern that program teams encountered a significant number of students who had never used a toothbrush, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen awareness efforts from an early age.

She concluded by reaffirming that early attention to oral health ensures that children enjoy healthy smiles and consistent school attendance, while giving them greater confidence to begin the academic year fully prepared and focused. She called on parents to ensure their children participate in the Asnani Program by signing the consent forms distributed in schools and urged school administrations to cooperate with program teams in organizing the “Oral Health Ambassadors” lectures for staff, as these contribute significantly to raising health awareness and strengthening oral health practices in schools. She extended her best wishes to all for a successful academic year.