NEW: Oral health education vital

Online Reporter

HUNDREDS of Kuwadzana residents received free dental screening sessions over the weekend as part of belated commemorations to mark World Oral Health Day.

The sessions were held at the Daniye Dental Clinic on Saturday and Sunday.

Each year, March 20 is dedicated to raising global awareness on issues around oral health and the importance of oral hygiene.

But, due to the coronavirus outbreak, some of the commemorations to mark this day were either held virtually or were postponed.

Mrs Irene Moyana, a dental therapist who took part in the free dental check-ups, said there is need to create awareness around issues to do with oral hygiene.

“Basing on what I observed here today, the majority of the people that I attended to do not fully understand the importance of maintaining basic oral hygiene.

“Great efforts should be made to change the perception that people only visit a dentist after developing a tooth disease,” Mrs Moyana said.

Mr Dennis Kaliofasi, one of the locals who benefitted from the programme, said he learnt a lot from the dental team.

“I am 49 years old, but this is my first time to have an oral check-up. All this while, I thought my teeth were in great shape but after today’s screening, I was told that two of my teeth need urgent attention,” Mr Kaliofasi said.

A similar exercise, which will also include free cancer, blood pressure (BP), diabetes and maternity screening, will also be conducted at the Domboshava MediClinic on October 30 and October 31.