Empowering them to take care of their teeth

Universiti Malaya dentistry students lead community oral health project for undocumented children at Buku Jalanan Chow Kit

by Assoc Prof Dr Nor Azlida Mohd Nor, Nur Aisyah Binti Mohd Saudi (student leader)

In an effort to improve healthcare equity, students from the Universiti Malaya (UM) initiated a community outreach project to provide dental care to undocumented children at Buku Jalanan Chow Kit (BJCK) in Malaysia. This initiative was part of Service-Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM), introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education, enabling students to apply their knowledge and skills to solve community issues.

Due to their undocumented status, these BJCK children had limited access to essential health services, including dental care. Undocumented children in Malaysia often faced numerous barriers such as poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare, making them particularly susceptible to health problems. This project addressed the pressing dental health needs of this vulnerable population, long overlooked in public health policies.

The main objectives of the project were to provide oral health education and basic dental services, including examinations, scaling, and fluoride therapy to prevent and treat dental caries. Oral health education activities were interactive, teaching the children and their caregivers proper oral hygiene practices to prevent future dental problems.

The project was spearheaded by ten dedicated fourth-year UM dental students, supported by faculty and industry players. The students visited the BJCK centre over weekends in January, April, and June 2024. Nur Aisyah Mohd Saudi, the student group leader, highlighted, “Some of these children suffered from untreated dental conditions such as gum disease and cavities, which could lead to severe pain and other complications. We hoped that every child, regardless of their legal status, could have a healthy smile.”

For many of the BJCK children, this project represented more than just dental care; it symbolised hope and inclusion. Eleven-year-old Aiman (not his real name), who received his first dental scaling, said, “My gums sometimes bleed, and I’m afraid to smile. Now, my mouth feels clean, and I can smile without being ashamed.” A mother who accompanied her eight-year-old child for the dental screening was excited to visit the dental corner and happily expressed, “My son, after attending your previous educational activities, always reminded me to buy his toothbrush and toothpaste. He wanted to take care of his teeth at home.”

The UM students and BJCK manager, En Azril acknowledged that there was still much work to be done, particularly in ensuring long-term access and equity for dental care for these undocumented children. Project advisor Associate Professor Dr. Nor Azlida Mohd Nor said, “We are actively seeking further support and partnerships to enhance the program’s sustainability. This project not only benefited the BJCK community but also had a profound impact on the dental students, helping them develop soft skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork.”

Reflecting on their experiences, students Loo Jing Thong and Aishah Chung Shau Keong expressed that the SULAM project had motivated them to give back to the community. Nur Afrina Husna, Stephanie Hooi Kah Wai, and Ng Yu Juin gained valuable field experience assisting lecturers in dental treatments. They also created game-based learning tools for children’s oral health education, including Wong Wei Shen’s web-based dental fun run and Afiqah Razali’s interactive puppet show. Inspired by a popular Jenga game, Nur Izzah Harith Sherifuddin developed “Diet Jenga” to promote healthier lifestyles by reducing sugar intake.

Through direct community interaction, students developed empathy and a deeper understanding of societal issues. This hands-on experience enhanced their practical skills and instilled a sense of social responsibility, fostering commitment to making a positive impact. The project stood as a beacon of hope, fostering inclusivity and compassion by addressing the dental needs of undocumented children.