The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) has launched a nationwide oral and dental health screening programme for Kindergarten 1 (KG1) pupils in public schools, aiming to identify problems early and ensure children receive treatment before entering primary education.
The initiative, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Emirates Health Services (EHS), will allow families to arrange examinations at government health centres operated by EHS or at private healthcare facilities.
The screenings will check for tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health conditions that could affect children’s general health, physical development and ability to learn. Children identified as needing further attention will be directed towards appropriate healthcare services.
Officials said the programme is intended to make regular dental examinations part of routine healthcare from an early age, rather than relying on families to seek treatment only when children experience pain or other symptoms.
Dr Hussain Al Rand, assistant undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at Mohap, said the project reflected the UAE’s commitment to preventive healthcare and the development of healthy habits among young children.
“Promoting oral and dental health from the preschool years helps establish healthy habits that can stay with children throughout their lives,” he said.
Al Rand also highlighted the importance of parents in monitoring children’s health and encouraging daily practices that protect their teeth and gums. He said cooperation between families, schools and healthcare providers would be important in supporting the programme.
The initiative forms part of the UAE’s wider preventive healthcare plans and aligns with the World Health Organisation’s Global Oral Health Strategy for 2023-2030, which calls for stronger prevention measures and early detection of dental conditions.
Tareq Al Hashimi, assistant undersecretary for the School Operations Sector in Dubai and the Northern Emirates at the Ministry of Education, said children’s health played an important role in their readiness to learn.
“Health supports children’s readiness to learn, enhancing their ability to participate and engage, and enabling them to make the most of their educational experience,” he said.
Al Hashimi said the ministry would continue working with its partners on initiatives encouraging preventive health practices among students and their families from the earliest years of education.
Dr Essam Al Zarooni, executive director of the Medical Services Sector at EHS, said using the organisation’s health centres for the examinations would help identify dental problems and connect children with the care they need.
He added that EHS would combine screening with health awareness and follow-up services to ensure continuity of care as children grow and develop.
The programme is designed to strengthen early detection and encourage families to treat oral health as a regular part of children’s overall healthcare.
