Interdisciplinary outreach by UM dentistry and pharmacy students at IQ70+ CentreOn 23 April 2025, a team of undergraduate students from the Faculty of Dentistry and the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Malaya, led by their facilitator Dr Jessica Francis, a lecturer in Special Care Dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya came together for a meaningful community outreach program named 3D (Dental, Diabetes & Disability) at IQ70+, a centre supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities in Kuala Lumpur. This heartwarming initiative was focused on improving oral and general health awareness and providing basic oral screening to the residents.
As part of the program, dental students conducted oral health screenings, offering simple and gentle check-ups to assess the dental condition of each participant. These screenings helped identify oral health issues and provided an opportunity to share basic guidance on hygiene and care.
To complement the screenings, they led oral health education sessions. These sessions used interactive teaching tools such as visual aids and demonstrations to teach proper tooth brushing techniques and the importance of a healthy diet. The goal was to ensure participants could understand and adopt good oral hygiene habits in an enjoyable and accessible way.
Additionally, pharmacy students provided random blood glucose screening for participants. This quick and non-invasive test aimed to raise awareness about diabetes and general health, while also identifying individuals who may require further medical attention.
To create a fun and supportive environment, the team organized health-themed games and activities designed specifically for individuals with intellectual disabilities. These games helped reinforce the health messages while encouraging joyful participation and social interaction.
This collaborative outreach not only benefited the residents of IQ70+, but also gave students a valuable hands-on experience in providing inclusive care to the community that is often overlooked in conventional healthcare access. It demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork in health promotion and highlighted the compassion, dedication, and professionalism of our future healthcare providers.
https://malayanewsroom.com/26/05/2025/mahasiswa-pergigian-farmasi-santuni-golongan-istimewa/
