CV
CEO and Co-Founder of Refugee Crisis Foundation, an international humanitarian organisation, designing and delivering quality healthcare programs for refugees living in camps. Currently working in the world's largest refugee camp in Bangladesh providing oral healthcare services to the Rohingya refugees.
Multi-sector engagement and partnership with UNHCR, World Health Organisation, Bangladesh government and local NGOs to deliver healthcare services across the camps in Cox's Bazar. Conducting high quality research to inform the design, delivery, integration and evaluation of health services. Our focus is on locally-led and sustainable programs that builds capacity and up-skills the local workforce through dedicated training.
Evaluating Healthy Smiles - Oral Health Improvement Program for Refugee School Children in Bangladesh
Background:
Bangladesh generously hosts nearly one million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, of which 52% are children, making it one of the largest protracted refugee situations in the world. Previous research has found that most of the refugees have no access and previous experience of dental care, low literacy levels, unhealthy oral hygiene habits and high tobacco use.
To address the burden of untreated dental caries in refugee camps, a school-based toothbrushing with fluoridated toothpaste and handwashing program along with oral health screening and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application has been delivered in a learning centre in the refugee camp.
Aim: To assess tooth level outcomes and compliance to school-based toothbrushing.
Design: This was an observational cohort study that examined carious lesion progression among children in one centre. At the baseline, parental and child questionnaire were completed to establish oral hygiene practices and knowledge. Clinical examination included dmft/ DMFT and pufa/PUFA indices, plaque and bleeding score, and basic periodontal examination. SDF was applied to primary and permanent teeth with cavitated lesions not involving the pulp.Furthermore, this session will foster an environment of confidence and proficiency among dental team members in addressing tobacco use with patients. Through shared experiences and simulated scenarios, participants will gain valuable insights into effective communication strategies and best practices for discussing tobacco cessation with patients.
Learning objectives
- Evaluate the clinical outcomes of carious lesions in the primary and permanent dentition from one learning centre in the refugee camp.
- Assess the compliance of young children with daily toothbrushing as a healthy hygiene habit.
- Determine the level of awareness and knowledge of parents/caregivers regarding the importance of healthy hygiene habits for young children.
- Explore the role of Learning Centers in refugee camps in promoting healthy hygiene habits and preventing dental caries in young children.