UAE launches dental health screening for KG1 students in public schools

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) has launched a new oral and dental health screening initiative for Kindergarten 1 (KG1) students in public schools across the country. The project aims to identify dental problems and other oral health conditions in children before they begin primary school.

The initiative has been introduced in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Emirates Health Services (EHS). It focuses on early detection, preventive healthcare and encouraging healthy dental habits among young children.

Under the programme, families can take their children for dental examinations at government health centres operated by EHS or private healthcare facilities.

What Will the UAE Dental Screening Programme Include?

The screening programme will assess children's oral and dental health to identify potential issues that may affect their overall well-being, development and learning abilities.

The examinations will focus on detecting:

Tooth decay and cavities.
Gum diseases and related conditions.
Other oral health problems that may affect children's development.
Dental conditions requiring further medical attention.

The initiative is designed to encourage regular dental check-ups rather than waiting until children experience toothaches, discomfort or other symptoms.

UAE Focuses on Early Dental Care for Children

According to Dr Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at Mohap, the initiative reflects the country's growing focus on preventive healthcare.

He highlighted that promoting oral and dental health during preschool years can help children develop healthy habits that continue throughout their lives.

Al Rand also emphasised the importance of families in monitoring children's health and encouraging daily oral hygiene practices.

He added that cooperation between families, educational institutions and healthcare providers is essential to improving children's health outcomes.

Initiative Supports UAE's Preventive Healthcare Strategy

The new screening programme aligns with the UAE's broader preventive healthcare plans and the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Global Oral Health Strategy 2023–2030.

The WHO strategy encourages countries to strengthen preventive dental care, improve access to oral healthcare services and identify dental conditions at an early stage.

By introducing screenings during the early years of education, the UAE aims to make routine dental examinations an important part of children's healthcare.

Ministry of Education Highlights Link Between Health and Learning

Tareq Al Hashimi, Assistant Undersecretary for the School Operations Sector in Dubai and the Northern Emirates at the Ministry of Education, highlighted the connection between children's health and their ability to learn.

He said the ministry would continue working with healthcare partners to promote preventive health initiatives among students and families from the early stages of education.

According to Al Hashimi, good health supports children's readiness to learn, improves their participation in classroom activities and helps them make the most of their educational experiences.

EHS to Provide Screening and Follow-Up Healthcare

Dr Essam Al Zarooni, Executive Director of the Medical Services Sector at EHS, said providing screenings through EHS healthcare centres would help identify dental problems early.

Children who require additional treatment or medical attention will be directed to the appropriate healthcare services.

He also explained that the programme would combine dental examinations with health awareness and follow-up support to ensure continuity of care during children's early growth and development.

Building Healthy Dental Habits from an Early Age

The UAE's new oral health screening initiative highlights the importance of identifying dental problems before they affect children's daily activities, development or education.

By encouraging regular dental examinations and promoting awareness among families, the programme aims to establish healthier habits among young students.

The collaboration between Mohap, the Ministry of Education and EHS is another step towards strengthening preventive healthcare and improving the overall well-being of children across the UAE.