DOHA: The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has opened ‘Beautiful Smile’ clinic at Leabaib Health Centre to create awareness about oral health among children and expectant mothers.
The clinic will provide free counselling and conduct primary examinations on mothers-to-be and young children on oral health.
Dr Asma’a Al Khateeb, Director, Oral and Dental Health Department, PHCC, said the clinic will focus on education expectant mothers through awareness programmes on the risk of tooth decay and explain the importance of proper nutrition for her and the baby during and after pregnancy.
Also children aged one to five will be examined by a paediatric dentistry specialist. Assessments are being carried out at Well Baby Clinics and incorporated into standard infant care routines. Where necessary, referrals are made to dental clinics.
The Beautiful Smile clinic is considered the beginning and will be introduced at other health centres.
Such clinics were held on trial for three months from October 2015 at Msameer, Al Thayen and Al Wakrah health centres.
“During the trial, the clinic has seen success in influencing mothers and children about following good oral health practices,” said Dr Al Khateeb.
Appointments to the clinic could be booked through PHCC call centre on 107.
Dr Mohammed Al Otaibi, Doctor in charge of the centre, said, “The Beautiful Smile clinic is the first of its kind in Qatar and the region.
“It is open at Leabaib Helath Centre. Oral health problems are one of the most common diseases and start from a young age and have a bad effect on the quality of life,” he added.The Peninsula
