Ajman University Youth Initiative Club Brings Oral Health Screenings and Education to Elderly Residents in Sharjah

Ajman University's Youth Initiative Club brought preventive dental care to those who need it most, conducting oral health screenings and hygiene education for elderly residents at a care home operated under the Government of Sharjah Social Services Department. Led by dental students under the supervision of Dr. Huda Abutayyem and supported by GUM UAE, the visit combined hands-on clinical experience with genuine community service — giving students direct exposure to real-world care while delivering meaningful support to residents who benefit from it most. 

Maintaining good oral health is an important component of healthy aging. Older adults often face increased oral health challenges due to factors such as age-related changes, chronic medical conditions, medication use, and reduced mobility, making regular screenings and preventive care especially valuable. The initiative sought to raise awareness of these challenges while encouraging proactive oral health practices. 

Students conducted screenings to identify common oral health conditions among the residents, focusing on dental caries, attrition, and periodontal and gum-related issues. Where concerns were identified, residents were advised to seek follow-up dental care for the treatment of decayed teeth and to support continued improvement in their oral hygiene. Oral hygiene education followed the screenings, focused on the practical steps residents can take in their daily routines. Students provided clear guidance on correct toothbrushing techniques and consistent oral hygiene habits, translating clinical knowledge into straightforward advice that residents could realistically apply and maintain. 

For the participating students, the initiative provided valuable experience in communicating with older adults, adapting care to individual needs, and delivering patient-centered support outside the traditional clinical environment. It also reflected Ajman University's commitment to experiential learning and community engagement, demonstrating how academic knowledge can be applied to improve health awareness and quality of life across the wider community.