Doha, Qatar: The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) in Qatar has emphasized that preparations for the new academic year should extend beyond books and uniforms to include children's oral health. 

Manager of Oral Health Promotion and Prevention at PHCC, Dr. Najat Alyafei, highlighted the significant impact of oral health on a child's comfort and academic performance, noting that issues like tooth decay can result in school absences and hinder learning.

She mentioned that the 'Asnani' School Oral Health Programme operates as a national initiative aimed at protecting the oral health of children in government schools. This program is thoughtfully designed to cater to various age groups through two primary components.

The first component focuses on young children. According to a set schedule, they are taken to health centres equipped with specialized dental care rooms. During these visits, interactive activities are organized to enhance awareness and teach proper oral care habits in a fun, age-appropriate manner. Following these activities, children receive dental check-ups at designated clinics, where fluoride treatments are applied to prevent tooth decay and the second component is aimed at primary school students. Nine dental teams visit government schools according to approved schedules, providing age-appropriate awareness lectures, conducting dental examinations, and administering fluoride treatments. Dr. Alyafei emphasized that parental consent is essential for these activities, which is obtained through forms distributed to students at their schools.

Furthermore, Dr. Alyafei clarified that the scope of the Asnani Programme extends beyond just student check-ups. The dental teams also conduct 'Oral Health Ambassadors' lectures for school teaching and administrative staff during their visits, with the goal of raising awareness and promoting healthy practices throughout the school community.