On the morning of March 2nd, 2024, the Faculty of Dentistry at Tishk International University (TIU) visited the Hiwa Institution for children with hearing problems for dental education and checkup. A group of nine fourth-stage students, accompanied by five academic staff members from the Faculty of Dentistry, conducted this project. On March 3rd, 2024, the school’s students and staff were invited by TIU for a tour around the Faculty of Dentistry, followed by a group lunch for the children, jointly hosted by the Faculties of Dentistry and Engineering.
Dr. Reem Ziyad, Dr. Iman Hayder, Dr. Rupak Othman, Dr. Kurdistan Ismail, and Mrs. Zhala Tahsin participated in the school visit for the Dental Education and Checkup as project seniors, along with nine 4th-stage students whose valuable efforts ensured the project’s success. Mrs. Zhala Tahsin, Dr. Ibrahim Seran, Dr. Rebaz Samir, and Dr. Sara Sherzad supervised the school’s visit to the faculty on March 3rd. The project was overseen by the Dean of Students Representatives at the Faculty of Dentistry.
The project’s aim was to conduct dental checkups for students at Hiwa Institution and provide them with dental home care instructions. For the purpose of the checkups, the TIU staff and students visited each class, individually demonstrating proper teeth brushing techniques and giving oral instructions afterwards. One of the students wore a rabbit costume to add fun to the Dental Education Section, hugging the children and explaining which foods are healthy and which are not.
In total, 150 students at the school were checked by the dental students and academic staff, including kindergarten and primary students. Case sheets with diagnoses and treatment plans were filled out for each student. The following day, 200 students and teachers visited the Faculty of Dentistry at TIU, toured the facilities, and watched a short video on oral hygiene instructions and proper brushing technique, with their teachers assisting in translating the instructions to sign language for the children with hearing problems. Later, all teachers and students were invited to lunch and received sweets and drinks to take home. This part of the project was organized by both the Faculties of Dentistry and Engineering at Tishk International University.
The project was initially discussed on February 26th, 2024, in a meeting, followed by a second meeting with the school manager on February 28th, 2024, when the final arrangements were decided and equipment and materials required were prepared. The visit to the school took place on March 2nd, 2024, and the school reciprocated with a visit to TIU on March 3rd, 2024.
We extend our gratitude to all the dedicated staff and students of the Faculty of Dentistry for making this significant project a success and look forward to their participation in future projects.
