By AOHD
PETALING JAYA – The Ministry for Special Needs of the Archdiocesan Office for Human Development (AOHD) recently hosted a dental programme titled A Happy Smile is a Happy Mind as part of its Lenten Campaign Outreach. Held on Mar 8, the event aimed to provide essential dental care and raise awareness about oral health for individuals with special needs. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and with the support of dedicated dentists and staff from Klinik Pergigian Kelana Jaya, the initiative was a resounding success.
Held at the La Salle Hall PJ from 8.00am to 1.00pm, the dental programme saw approximately 50 participants, including both children and adults, receiving comprehensive dental check-ups in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The children from SSVP also took part, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to benefit from the dental care provided. The event featured a variety of parallel workshops and activities designed to educate participants about dental health in an engaging and enjoyable way.
The workshop included dental check-ups, an oral health awareness talk, demonstrations using dental models to show the effects of good and bad oral health, fun games, and a practical session teaching proper brushing techniques.
The programme aimed to create a safe space where both children and adults could comfortably receive dental care. For individuals with special needs, oral health can be particularly challenging due to factors such as oral sensitivity and muscle tightness, which often make dental check-ups difficult. However, the event proved to be an invaluable experience, helping participants overcome these barriers.
The Ministry for Special Needs extends its heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated dentists from Klinik Pergigian Kelana Jaya, Dr Shahziha and Dr Lee Jiawen, for their invaluable collaboration in ensuring the success of the dental programme. Special recognition also goes to their nurses and support staff, whose tireless efforts contributed to the smooth running of the event.
Sincere appreciation is also extended to James Sia, the person in charge of La Salle Hall, for generously providing the venue and sponsoring breakfast for the participants. Additionally, a heartfelt thank you to Manjunathan, CEO of Data Sree Company, for his generous sponsorship of toothbrushes and toothpaste for all attendees.
Finally, the ministry would like to express its deepest gratitude to all the volunteers who stepped forward to support the event. Their time, dedication, and commitment made a significant impact on the success of the programme and the lives of all those involved.
This event not only provided essential dental care but also raised awareness about the importance of maintaining oral health, leaving a lasting positive impact on the lives of individuals with special needs. It is initiatives like this that highlight the power of community collaboration and compassion in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all. – Herald Malaysia
