A demonstration to pupils on brushing the teeth
The University Basic School in collaboration with Titans of Africa and Malahk Academy has organised a dental health programme themed, “Enhancing the Smiles of Our Future Leaders”, to promote dental health among pupils. The event was part of the School’s activities marking the University’s 75th anniversary.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Christina Adwubi Armah, Head of the University Basic School, stated that the mouth is the entryway to the body and, as such, is critical in terms of how it is treated. She anticipated that the pupils would be better able to grasp the need for adopting optimal practices in dental care and serve as ambassadors for oral hygiene.
Mrs. Christina Adwubi Armah, Head of the University Basic School
She recommended toothbrushes and toothpaste for good oral hygiene and expressed hope that pupils will be better equipped to understand the importance of oral care and become ambassadors for promoting oral hygiene.
She also acknowledged the efforts of all stakeholders including Dr. Sheryl Lee-Butler, the 98th President of the National Dental Association of the USA, Mr. Mohammed Osman Nkosi, President of Titans of Africa, and the University of Ghana Health Services for contributing immensely to the programme.
Dr. Sheryl Lee-Butler, the 98th President of the National Dental Association of the United States, keynote speaker for the event, indicated that oral health is more important than many people know because the health of one's mouth, teeth and gums can affect one's overall health.
A cross-section of pupils at the event
She emphasised the importance of oral health in a presentation titled, "What's The Mouth Got to Do with It." Dr. Lee-Butler also discussed foods that can cause cavities and recommended foods such as dark chocolate, crackers made with whole grains, rice snacks, nuts, and banana, as good for dental health. She advised pupils to use soft toothbrushes and brush their teeth 2-3 times a day for two minutes.
Dr. Lee-Butler expressed her gratitude to the National Dental Association, the University Basic School, Crest Oral-B, Malahk Academy, and all other stakeholders for their support.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Kwasi Nimako-Boateng, Head of the Dental Unit at the University of Ghana Health Services, recommended visiting the dentist twice a year to detect and prevent dental problems. He also advised pupils to reduce their intake of sugary foods and snacks and eat more fruits.
A cross-section of participants at the event
In a presentation, Mr. Naseek Yadiel Ben Israel, Head of the Hebrew Israelite Community, discussed the importance of healthy food for healthy gums. He stressed the significance of four minerals - calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium - for maintaining healthy teeth. He indicated that calcium is essential for creating and protecting tooth enamel and strengthening the jawbone, while vitamin D maximises calcium's benefits. He also discussed the role of phosphorus in supporting calcium's work and the importance of magnesium and potassium in maintaining strong teeth and jawbones.
Mr. Naseek provided examples of foods including beans with fried plantain, kokonte with groundnut soup, kenkey, and banana as rich in the aforementioned minerals and also cautioned against eating foods that are bad for teeth.
Dr. Mrs. Victoria Esinam Assah-Offei, Clinical Psychologist and a member of the UBS Board, on behalf of the University Community thanked Malahk Academy, Dr. Lee-Butler and her team for their support in the programme's success. She encouraged students to apply what they learnt and reiterated the importance of oral health in building self-confidence.
Mrs. Joanna Omaboe, Assistant Registrar, 75th Anniversary Secretariat, expressed her excitement about the dental health programme organised by the University Basic School. She highlighted the upcoming programmes for the 75th-anniversary celebration and encouraged everyone to participate.
A group photo featuring UBS Staff and dignitaries at the event
In her remarks, Madam Yuhudeet, Director of Malahk Academy, gave an overview of the school and its history. The Academy, she explained is an international expansion of a school in Houston, Texas called Two Dimensions, and has been in existence since 1990. Madam Yuhudeet noted that Malahk Academy is the continuation of a long-term vision and mission of the late Mr. Malahk and Madam Daisy Simpson, CEO of Malahk Academy. The Academy aims to promote peace, unity, and relationships while learning to work together to create, cultivate, and sustain strong ecological institutions. She also expressed appreciation to all who supported in organising the programme.
Pupils who participated in the programme received Toothpaste and Toothbrushes.
The Drama Club from the University Basic School performed a skit in which they highlighted the value of maintaining proper oral hygiene.
Also present were Daisy Simpson, CEO of Malahk Academy; Saar Horahliel, Elder of the Israel community; Mrs. Eunice Mensah, Deputy Head of School, Primary Department, UBS; Henrietta Ashiabor, Secretary UBS Management Board; Friends and family of Malahk Academy; Staff and Pupils from the University of Ghana Basic School, Legon.
