The programme aims to establish regular dental check-ups as part of children’s healthcare from an early age, rather than waiting until dental problems cause pain.
The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) has introduced an oral and dental health screening programme for Kindergarten 1 (KG1) pupils in public schools across the country.
Launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Emirates Health Services (EHS), the initiative aims to detect oral and dental health problems before children enter primary school.
Families can take their children for screenings at government health centres operated by EHS or at private healthcare facilities. The examinations will check for tooth decay, gum disease and other conditions that could affect children’s health, development and learning.
Officials said the programme seeks to establish regular dental check-ups as part of children’s healthcare from an early age, rather than waiting until pain or other symptoms appear.
Dr Hussain Al Rand, assistant undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at Mohap, said the project reflected the country’s focus on preventive healthcare.
“Promoting oral and dental health from the preschool years helps establish healthy habits that can stay with children throughout their lives,” he said.
Al Rand highlighted the important role of families in monitoring children’s health and encouraging daily habits that promote good oral hygiene, alongside the efforts of the education and healthcare sectors.
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s preventive healthcare plans and the World Health Organisation’s oral health strategy for 2023-2030, which calls for greater emphasis on 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, said children’s health was closely connected to their readiness to learn.
He said the ministry would continue working with its partners on initiatives that encourage preventive healthcare among students and families from the early years of education.
“Health supports children’s readiness to learn, enhancing their ability to participate and engage, and enabling them to make the most of their educational experience,” Al Hashimi said.
Dr Essam Al Zarooni, executive director of the Medical Services Sector at EHS, said providing screenings through EHS health centres would help detect problems early and refer children requiring further treatment to the appropriate services.
He added that EHS would complement the screenings with health awareness activities and follow-up care to ensure continuity of support during children’s early growth and development.
