Throughout the month of March, the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Porto (FMDUP) celebrated World Oral Health Day with a series of initiatives designed to promote oral health and the mental well-being of the community. The event involved free screenings, awareness-raising activities and visits to different institutions, emphasising the importance of prevention and access to dental care.
1. Free Oral check-up at the FMDUP Clinic
Throughout the day, dozens of students from the University of Porto went to the FMDUP clinic for free oral screenings. These examinations were conducted by faculty members with the support of dental students, providing practical experience for future dental professionals.
The screenings included:
✅ Basic clinical examinations to identify problems such as cavities, gingivitis, plaque and early signs of more serious oral diseases such as oral cancer.
✅ Personalised guidance, where each participant received advice on proper oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing techniques.
✅ Referral for treatment in cases where clinical follow-up needs were identified.
✅ Offer of an oral hygiene kit, with support from Colgate.
2. Visit to Schools - Education for Children and Young People
A team of students and teachers travelled to EB. Mirante dos Sonhos to organise educational and fun activities on the importance of oral hygiene from an early age.
The activities included:
🦷 Interactive sessions, where the children learnt, in a fun way, about the formation of cavities, the importance of brushing correctly and the relationship between food and oral health.
Practical demonstrations using dental models to teach brushing and flossing.
🎭 Fun activities adapted to each age group.
3. Visit to a Nursing Home - Oral Care in the Elderly
Recognising the importance of oral health in the quality of life of the elderly, a team from the FMDUP visited the Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor to raise awareness among residents and carers about the challenges and specific care of oral health in the elderly.
4. Digital Awareness Campaign
In addition to the face-to-face activities, a digital campaign to raise awareness among the university community and the general public about the importance of oral health and its impact on mental health.
The campaign included:
📲 Informative posts on social media, covering topics such as the relationship between oral health and mental health, facts about oral hygiene and practical tips for maintaining good dental health and Oral health in pregnant women
🎥 Educational videos with specialists, where lecturers addressed the importance of each medical-dental speciality
📝 Testimonials from patients and students, reinforcing the importance of prevention and access to regular dental care.
The FMDUP initiative on World Oral Health Day emphasised the importance of prevention and oral health education, promoting not only the physical but also the emotional and psychological well-being of the participants. By covering different age groups and social contexts, the action reinforced the message that a healthy smile contributes to a happier and more confident life.
Main message: Taking care of your oral health is also taking care of your mental health.
FMDUP; Grupo de Atividade Comunitária- Investigação e Promoção da Saúde Oral da Faculdade de Medicina Dentária da Universidade do Porto; Mentoria FMDUP; AEFMDUP; SASUP
41.1741635, -8.6028785
05/03/2025
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17/03/2025
20/03/2025
26/03/2025
Press Coverage Details – UP Digital
As part of the World Oral Health Day celebrations, UP Digital provided extensive coverage of the initiative led by the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Porto (FMDUP). The press coverage aimed to highlight the impact of the event, raise awareness about oral health and mental well-being, and showcase the university’s commitment to community outreach.
The coverage included:
📰 News Articles – UP Digital published detailed reports on the activities carried out throughout the day, including free oral screenings at FMDUP’s clinic, visits to schools and nursing homes, and the digital awareness campaign. These articles emphasized the role of education and prevention in improving public health.
🎥 Video Reports & Interviews – A dedicated team from UP Digital captured key moments from the event, featuring interviews with faculty members, participating students, and community members who benefited from the initiative. The interviews provided insights into the importance of oral health and its connection to overall well-being.
📸 Photo Coverage – A series of high-quality images documented the various activities, from clinical screenings to interactive educational sessions, showcasing the engagement and enthusiasm of participants.
📲 Social Media Highlights – Through UP Digital’s official platforms, updates were shared in real-time, amplifying the reach of the campaign and encouraging public engagement with the message of oral health awareness.
This comprehensive press coverage ensured that the initiative reached a wider audience, reinforcing the importance of maintaining good oral health habits and their influence on mental well-being.
Information
Faculdade de Medicina Dentária de Universidade do Porto, R. Dr. Manuel Pereira da Silva
4200-393 Porto
Portugal