Dental health for a better life
May Pen, Clarendon — As part of the drive to instil a culture of good oral health practices among Jamaica’s children, local health authorities have been promoting dental health education in schools, culminating in a recent Oral Health Competition and Awards ceremony.
The competition, which was staged by the Clarendon Health Department under the theme, ‘Oral Health Matters’, was used to evaluate primary and secondary students from some 20 schools through quiz, poster and deejay/rap competitions.
Oral Health Month was celebrated in October. The Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) Dental Auxiliaries hosted several activities which kick-started on October 24 and ended with the competition on Thursday, October 27, at the St Gabriel’s Anglican Church Hall in Clarendon.
Regional Director of the SRHA Michael Bent told his audience at the function that it is very important to change the culture of oral health in Jamaica. Research had proven that many risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases or lifestyle diseases are linked to the development of oral and dental health problems, he said.
He encouraged the dental surgeons, dental nurses, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental aides to continue being efficient and proactive in making Jamaica a healthier nation.
Medical officer of health for Clarendon, Dr Kimberly Scarlett Campbell, urged teachers and parents to support students in improving their oral health.
The competition, which is an annual event, saw Denbigh Primary School taking first prize in the quiz competition and also in the poster competition for the 6-8 category. Other winners included Treadlight Primary School in the 9-11 category, Thompson Town Primary School in the 12- 15 category, and Lennon High School in the 16-and-over section.
The deejay/rap competition, which was one of the day’s highlights, saw winners from the Thompson Town Primary School in the 6-8 category and Race Course Primary School in the 9-11 category. For the 12-15 category, Mocho Primary School was declared the winner, while Vere Technical High School was awarded first prize for the 16-and-over category.
