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We add new stories and updates every few weeks.
Ghana Dental Association Honored with Best Media Award
The Ghana Dental Association (GDA) has been honored with the prestigious Best Media Award at the FDI World Dental Federation’s annual ceremony in Instabul, Turkey. This accolade recognizes the GDA’s innovative and impactful media campaign during the World Oral Health Day (WOHD) celebrations in 2024.
A Comprehensive Media Strategy
In the lead-up to WOHD on March 20, 2024, the GDA implemented a multifaceted media strategy aimed at raising awareness about the importance of oral health. The campaign encompassed various initiatives:
• Media Engagements: Collaborations with prominent media outlets such as Metro TV, GH One, TV3, Asaase FM, and UTV facilitated widespread dissemination of oral health messages.
• Social Media Campaigns: The committee launched engaging posts on platforms like Instagram, encouraging healthy practices such as brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and limiting sugary drinks.
• Educational Programs: Partnerships with schools and community centers, including the Weija Leprosarium and Christ The King School in Accra, provided educational sessions on the connection between oral health and overall well-being.
Community Engagement and Outreach
The GDA’s efforts extended beyond media campaigns to include direct community involvement:
• Health Walks and Aerobics: Organizing events to promote physical activity alongside oral health awareness.
• Debates and Competitions: Hosting debates at the University of Ghana Dental School to encourage proactive engagement among dental students.
• Free Dental Screenings: Collaborating with dental professionals to offer free or discounted oral health screenings and consultations, promoting preventive care.
Global Recognition
The FDI World Dental Federation acknowledged the GDA’s exceptional use of media to promote oral health awareness, highlighting their ability to engage diverse audiences and deliver impactful messages. This recognition not only honors the committee’s dedication but also places Ghana at the forefront of global oral health advocacy.
Looking Ahead
Building on this success, the GDA plans to continue its efforts in enhancing oral health education and services across Ghana. Future initiatives include advocating for government funding for school dental programs, petitioning insurance companies to include oral health coverage, and organizing volunteer events to provide dental services to underserved communities.
The Best Media Award serves as a testament to the GDA ’s unwavering commitment to improving oral health and their innovative approach to community engagement
WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY 2024!
March 20, 2024
The Ghana Dental Association (GDA) joined the global community in commemorating World Oral Health Day on March 20th, reaffirming its commitment to promoting oral healthmawareness and preventive care across the nation. Under the theme “A Happy Mouth...Is A Happy Body”, the GDA organized a series of events aimed at educating the public and advocating for better oral healthcare policies throughout March.
The official launch of the World Oral Health Day (WOHD) kick-started with a health walk on Saturday 16th March from the Ayi Mensah toll booth to Peduase, creating oral health careawareness to the people of Peduase and its environs.
The GDA also collaborated with the University of Ghana Dental School to organize a debate with the theme “A Happy Mouth...Is A Happy Body” between the 5th and 6th year dental students on the 18th March. The highlight of the GDA WOHD 2024 Celebration occurred on March 20th, featuring a dental screening and a generous donation to the inabitants of Weija Leprosarium. Alongside the screenings, essential items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, food, toiletries, water, and drinks were provided. This initiative marks the beginning of a year-long project by the GDA, dedicated to enhancing the oral health of individuals with special needs.In various regions across the country, the GDA collaborated with schools to conduct oral hygiene sessions for students. Through engaging activities and demonstrations, children learned the importance of proper brushing techniques, flossing, and the role of a balanced diet in preventing dental problems. Also, the GDA collaborated with various dental professionals in various healthcare facilities in the country to provide free dental check-ups and screenings in hospitals, churches, mosque markets squares, shopping malls, lorry stations etc. Various Dental clinics were decorated with banners and posters spreading the message of World Oral Health Day, encouraging people to prioritize their oral health and seek regular dental care.
With the support of partners i.e. Unilever Ghana PLC and Colgate Palmolive, the GDA was able to distribute toothpaste and toothbrush to all our participants who took part in the dental screening across the country.The GDA through its social media was able to reach a wider audience by sharing informative posts and videos about common dental issues and preventive measures. Radio and television talk shows on oral health were also held to educate the general public on the importance of oral health. The GDA through this platform were able to reach out to about thirty thousand (30,000) people.
As part of its advocacy efforts, the GDA engaged policymakers and stakeholders to address challenges in oral healthcare delivery and promote policies that ensure fair access to dental services for all Ghanaians.
Dental Screening And Donation At Weija Leprosarium
March 20, 2024
The highlight of the GDA WOHD 2024 Celebration occurred on March 20th, featuring a dental screening and a generous donation to the inabitants of Weija Leprosarium. Alongside the screenings, essential items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, food, toiletries, water, and drinks were provided. This initiative marks the beginning of a year-long project by the GDA, dedicated to enhancing the oral health of individuals with special needs.In various regions across the country, the GDA collaborated with schools to conduct oral hygiene sessions for students. Through engaging activities and demonstrations, children learned the importance of proper brushing techniques, flossing, and the role of a balanced diet in preventing dental problems.
What A Blast!
March 20, 2024
On March 20, 2024 to commemorate World Oral Health Day, Unilever Ghana, producers of Pepsodent, launched a teledentistry service aimed at enhancing access to dental care across the country. This innovative initiative enables individuals, including children, to consult with dental professionals remotely, thereby overcoming traditional barriers to dental care.
The teledentistry service is particularly crucial in addressing the scarcity of oral health services in Ghana, where only 35% of the population in low-income areas have access to such services. The ratio of citizens per dentist is a staggering 1:58,400, highlighting the critical need for increased access and early intervention.
By leveraging digital technology, this service aims to demystify dental visits, making them a positive and pain-free experience for children and adults alike. This early introduction sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health practices, contributing to the overall well-being of the population.
This initiative underscores the importance of integrating modern technology into healthcare delivery, ensuring that quality dental care is accessible to all, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.
The FDI World Oral Health Day Ambassadors
March 08, 2024
On March 8th, in observance of World Oral Health Day, Dr. Michael Awua-Mensah and Dr. Louisa Ansong Satekla appeared on Citi News to discuss the significance of oral health in Ghana.
Dr. Awua-Mensah, a Ghanaian dentist and World Oral Health Day ambassador, emphasized the critical link between oral health and overall well-being. He highlighted the importance of regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene practices to prevent common dental issues. Dr. Awua-Mensah also shared insights from his community outreach initiatives, which aim to bridge oral health equity gaps through public education and empowerment.
Dr. Satekla, a dental surgeon and fellow World Oral Health Day ambassador, discussed her efforts in promoting oral health awareness, particularly among children in rural areas. She shared her experiences from charity work focused on encouraging academic excellence in science among young girls. Dr. Satekla also addressed common misconceptions about oral health and provided practical tips for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
The discussion underscored the necessity of integrating oral health education into broader public health strategies and encouraged viewers to prioritize their oral hygiene as a vital component of their overall health.
Bringing Smiles and Knowledge: A Heartwarming Moment at the WOHD Dental Screening
Bringing Smiles and Knowledge: A Heartwarming Moment at the WOHD Dental Screening
March 20, 2024
The room buzzed with excitement as families gathered for the World Oral Health Day (WOHD) Dental Screening and Education Workshop. Among them was a bright-eyed young girl in a yellow shirt, sitting across from a dedicated dentist who patiently explained the importance of oral hygiene. With an engaging smile and a raised finger, the dentist emphasized a key point, ensuring she understood how to properly care for her teeth.
Behind her, a mother sat attentively with her younger daughter, listening closely as oral health professionals provided crucial insights into preventive dental care. The scene was a testament to the power of education—bridging the gap between awareness and action.
The table was filled with oral hygiene essentials—toothbrushes, toothpaste, and educational materials—donated to encourage children to develop good dental habits early. Supported by partners like Colgate, the event made dental care accessible to the community, reinforcing the message that a healthy mouth leads to a healthier life.
As the young girl nodded enthusiastically, it was clear that the session had made an impact. This moment, captured in a single image, symbolized the essence of the day—empowering individuals with knowledge, one smile at a time.
Debate
March 18, 2024
On March 18, 2024, the University of Ghana Dental School (UGDS) in Collaboration with the Ghana Dental Association(GDA) hosted a debate to commemorate World Oral Health Day. The event featured Level 500 and Level 600 students engaging in a spirited discussion on the theme: “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Body.”
The Level 500 team supported the motion, emphasizing that good oral health contributes to a brighter smile, a positive outlook, and prevents unwanted bacteria from entering the body through the mouth. They underscored the importance of maintaining oral health by regularly visiting the dentist, brushing twice daily, and flossing between the teeth.
Conversely, the Level 600 team opposed the motion, emphasizing that happiness and overall well-being are multifaceted and cannot be attributed solely to oral health. One member, Miss Akosua Agyemang Gyebi, argued, “A balanced approach to health is essential, encompassing good nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, financial stability, a strong economy, and access to healthcare services rather than just oral health.”
The debate was judged by Dr. Daniel Tormeti, Dr. Dai-Kosi, and Dr. Esther Danquah, with Dr. Philip Frimpong and Miss Sarah Asare serving as the MCs. The event provided a platform for students to critically examine the relationship between oral health and overall well-being, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities involved.
This debate was part of a series of activities organized by UGDS to promote oral health awareness, including media engagement, community dental outreach, and a poster/flyer designing competition. The celebrations aimed to create oral healthcare and education within communities to ensure the promotion of good oral health for a healthier body.
Ghana Dental Association Hosts Health Walk & Aerobics to Celebrate World Oral Health Day
Ghana Dental Association Hosts Health Walk & Aerobics to Celebrate World Oral Health Day
March 16, 2024
Ghana Dental Association Hosts Health Walk & Aerobics to Celebrate World Oral Health Day
In a vibrant celebration of World Oral Health Day (WOHD), the Ghana Dental Association (GDA) organized a Health Walk & Aerobics event on March 16, 2024, to promote the connection between oral health and overall well-being. The event, held at the Ayi Mensah Toll Booth, attracted a diverse group of participants, including dental professionals, health enthusiasts, and members of the public, all eager to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene and healthy living.
With sponsorship from Colgate and Unilever, the morning kicked off at 6 AM, as attendees embarked on a lively health walk, symbolizing the journey toward better oral and general health. The walk was followed by an engaging aerobics session, reinforcing the message that a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, complements good oral hygiene practices.
Beyond the fitness activities, the event served as a powerful public education platform. Dentists and oral health professionals took the opportunity to educate participants on proper oral care routines, the impact of diet on dental health, and the significance of regular dental check-ups. The theme, #GDAWOHD24 #HappyMouth #WOHD24, echoed throughout the event, inspiring attendees to prioritize their oral health.
The event concluded with refreshing drinks and networking, leaving participants energized and more informed about the role of oral health in their overall well-being. The Ghana Dental Association’s initiative demonstrated a holistic approach to healthcare, emphasizing that a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy body.
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