UAE Introduces Dental Health Screenings for KG1 Students in Public Schools

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) has initiated a dental and oral health screening program targeting Kindergarten 1 (KG1) students in public schools nationwide. This project, developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Emirates Health Services (EHS), aims to detect dental issues before children enter primary school.

Parents can have their children examined at government health centres managed by EHS or at private healthcare facilities. The screenings will assess conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease, which can impact a child's overall health, development, and learning capacity.

Officials emphasized that the program seeks to integrate regular dental check-ups into children's healthcare routines from a young age, rather than waiting for symptoms like pain to appear. Dr Hussain Al Rand, assistant undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at Mohap, highlighted the national focus on prevention, stating that fostering oral health habits during preschool years supports lifelong well-being.

He also noted the importance of families in maintaining children's oral health by encouraging daily care habits, alongside the efforts of educational and health institutions.

The initiative aligns with the UAE's preventive healthcare objectives and the World Health Organization's oral health strategy for 2023-2030, which prioritizes prevention and early detection.

Tareq Al Hashimi, Assistant Undersecretary for the School Operations Sector in Dubai and the Northern Emirates at the Ministry of Education, explained that good health is essential for children's readiness to learn and that the ministry will continue collaborating on programs promoting prevention from early education stages.

Dr Essam Al Zarooni, executive director of the Medical Services Sector at EHS, added that providing screenings through EHS health centres facilitates early identification of dental problems and ensures children receive appropriate follow-up care. He also mentioned that these screenings will be linked with health awareness initiatives to support ongoing care throughout children's growth.

What this means for you

• KG1 students in public schools can undergo dental health screenings at EHS centres or private clinics.
• Parents should encourage daily oral hygiene habits to support their children's dental health.
• Early dental check-ups are now part of routine healthcare to prevent issues before symptoms appear.
• Families play a key role in monitoring and maintaining children's oral health alongside schools and health services.