A team of dentists from Japan’s Kanagawa Alliance of Dental Volunteers Overseas yesterday provided free dental checks for children at Syvatthana and Saphanthong-neua primary schools in Vientiane.
The two-day project, named ‘2nd Save the Teeth’ took place not only in Vientiane, but also at Napho Primary School in Phonhong district, Vientiane province. The project was a cooperative effort between Kanagawa Alliance of Dental Volunteers Overseas and the Saitama-Lao Friendship Association, aiming to encourage better oral healthcare among Lao people, especially schoolchildren. Under the project, more than 900 children at the three schools will likely have better overall health as a result of the checks.
Deputy Principal of Syvatthana Primary School, Inthasone Phoneyaphanh, said having healthy teeth and gums contributes to good overall health. She also encouraged children who have dental problems to see a dentist and to avoid eating food or drinks that are high in sugar.
Kanagawa Alliance of Dental Volunteers Overseas representative Taketo Tokuue said this is an important project that marks a key milestone for the progress of oral health, especially for children. He stressed that encouraging children to have free check-ups is a key activity that will help identify problems in the early stages and facilitate effective treatment.
A major aim of the project is to offer professional advice and product samples to promote good oral healthcare at home and at school. The five-year project was launched last year at the same primary schools in Vientiane, with over 500 children benefitting from the scheme.
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