“Martisor of healthy smiles": oral health promotion campaign

Students from the 3rd and 4th years of the Faculty of Stomatology and teaching staff from Ion Lupan Department of Pediatric Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery and Pedodontics, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, organized a flash mob on World Oral Health Day, marked annually on March 20. They distributed oral hygiene products and information leaflets to passers-by and explained the advantages of proper dental care.

 Associate professor Elena Stepco, vice-dean of the Faculty of Stomatology, noted that "healthy teeth are essential for the health of the whole body at any age."

 During the current month of March, representatives of the Faculty of Stomatology - scientific and teaching staff, students, and resident doctors - in partnership with the Association of Dental Students and the Moldavian Association of Stomatologists, are conducting an information campaign in the country’s preschool educational institutions and schools.

 For this purpose, trips were organized to kindergartens, gymnasiums, and high schools in: Chisinau municipality, Slobozia-Dusca and Onitcani villages, Criuleni district; Carbuna and Razeni, Ialoveni district. The meetings were attended by students, parents, and teachers, who were informed about the importance of maintaining an optimal oral health condition at any age. Overall, more than 990 children benefited from engaging oral hygiene lessons and various dental care gifts and accessories.

 This year's activities are taking place under the title "Martisor of healthy smiles", because, according to the organizers, "a healthy smile helps us enjoy life to the fullest, and it is worth making an effort for it. Proper oral hygiene, regular visits to the dentist and a healthy lifestyle will help us protect our health", emphasized Silvia Railean, head of Ion Lupan Department of Pediatric Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery and Pedodontics.

 Also, with a view to preventing dental diseases, young dentists examined the small patients hospitalized at Emilian Cotaga Clinic of Mother and Child Institute and the Pediatric Oncology Department of the Oncology Institute.

 Through this activity, the organizers emphasized the formation of healthy habits to have nice teeth throughout life by adopting preventive measures such as good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups and by self-control of the risk factors that generate oral diseases - smoking, alcohol, sugar consumption etc.

 Educational and volunteer activities regarding oral health will continue throughout the year.

 World Oral Health Day is marked annually at the initiative of the FDI World Dental Federation.