The District Health Management Team (DHMT), through its Dental Department, has taken oral and mental health education to the business sector and institutions of higher learning as part of this year’s Oral and Mental Health Week commemorations.

Speaking in an interview with the Agency, Dental Therapist Ms. Realeboha Sekotlo said the decision to target the business sector and higher learning institutions was aimed at reaching people who often miss health campaigns because they are at work.

She said employees were usually unable to access oral health services during working hours unless they were forced to visit dental clinics due to health problems.

Ms. Sekotlo said learners at higher learning institutions and employees were also more likely to understand and actively participate in mental health education compared with primary school learners, as they could engage health officials through questions and discussions.

She added that engaging the business sector was also intended to strengthen relationships with institutions, which could be helpful when the department seeks support and donations for its programmes.

Ms. Sekotlo explained that last year’s campaign targeted schools around the town, hence the decision this year to reach institutions outside the town where some people may have limited access to oral health services.

She said people who received the education were also screened for oral health problems, while those requiring treatment were referred to the Dental Clinic.

She further explained the link between oral and mental health, saying certain oral conditions could affect a person’s mental well-being.

“For instance, conditions such as crowded teeth may affect a person’s self-esteem, which could in turn contribute to depression,” she said.

Meanwhile, Bethel Business Community Development Centre Principal Mr. Rutang Santi appreciated the initiative, but expressed concern that learners at the centre were educated without undergoing oral health screening.

He said health officials had brought screening equipment but did not conduct the screening, adding that he hoped the department would return to provide the service.

Bernada Training Institute Principal Mrs ’Malene Lene also welcomed the initiative, saying bringing health services closer to learners showed that they were an important part of society.

“There are some oral health services we did not know existed until after the education, and for that we are grateful,” she said.

Mrs. Lene said such initiatives, including visits by other government officials such as police officers, contributed significantly to the upbringing and development of learners.

She, however, called for the campaigns to be conducted quarterly to ensure that learners retained the information and did not return to unhealthy habits of neglecting their oral health.

Observed annually in August under the theme “Happy Mouth Is A Happy Mind,” Oral and Mental Health Week aims to raise awareness and promote good oral hygiene and overall oral health.

Image by fdiworlddental