Oral Health Day to be observed March 20

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will join the global community in observing World Oral Health Day on Friday, under the theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life”. The observance aims to raise awareness of the importance of good oral hygiene and to encourage Jamaicans to take proactive steps to protect their oral health.

Oral diseases remain a significant public-health concern both globally and in Jamaica, affecting people throughout their lives. These conditions can cause pain, discomfort, reduced self-confidence and social isolation, and are often associated with other serious illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Yet most oral-health problems are preventable and can be treated effectively when detected early.

The ministry’s Oral Health Unit continues to lead national efforts to promote proper oral-hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups and healthier lifestyle choices. Through sustained outreach – school-based education, community engagements, screenings and public-awareness campaigns – the ministry and the regional health authorities advocate preventive care year-round.

Chief Dental Officer Dr Irving McKenzie underscored the importance of prevention and public education. “Oral health is an essential part of overall health and wellbeing. By encouraging proper brushing and flossing habits, reducing sugar intake, and ensuring regular dental visits, we can prevent many of the oral diseases affecting our population,” he said.

To mark the observance, the Ministry is hosting a series of activities targeting schools, communities and vulnerable groups. Below is a breakdown of the initiatives across the island:

Kingston and St Andrew and St Catherine

Activities will include screenings, oral-health education sessions, school tours and integrated health fairs at institutions such as Edward Seaga Primary, Theresa Basic School, Lawrence Tavern, Genesis Academy and the Golden Age Home. Additional outreach will include Sugar Smart Smiles school tours, oral-health screenings at schools including Holy Childhood Preparatory, and non-communicable disease (NCD) health fairs at the Hagley Park and Olympic Gardens Health Centres.

In St Catherine, the programme will feature activities at Paul Mountain Primary School, an NCD health fair in Ewarton and screenings at Bridgeport Health Centre.

Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth

In Manchester, activities will include school tours and oral-health education sessions at Mile Gully High, Victoria Town Primary and Hatfield Primary, alongside a community outreach station in Bryce and the launch of the Amazing Smiles Programme.

In St Elizabeth, outreach will include oral-health education and screenings at Newton Early Childhood Institution, PTA engagement at Top Hill Primary, clinical activities at Santa Cruz Health Centre and community outreach across the Balaclava Health District. Meanwhile, Clarendon will stage its annual oral health competition at St Gabriel Anglican Church as part of the week’s activities.

St Mary, St Ann and Portland

In St Mary, activities will include an outreach at Trinity Primary School, a clinic at Annotto Bay Clinic for older persons, screenings at the Rose Bank School of Excellence and an antenatal oral-health outreach at Port Maria Health Centre. In Portland, teams will conduct screenings and oral-health education at Buff Bay and Port Antonio Health Centres, along with outreach to special populations including residents of the Port Antonio Infirmary and students at the Randolph Lopez School.

St James, Trelawny, Westmoreland and Hanover

In St Ann, oral-health teams will lead education activities at St Ann’s Bay Primary School throughout the week, alongside screenings and oral-health sessions at Hoolebury Primary, Murray Mountain School and Great Pond School in Ocho Rios.