KATH Oral Health Directorate Partners Bouyem Chiefs for Free Dental Outreach
The Oral Health Directorate of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), in collaboration with the traditional leaders of the Bouyem community, led by Okatakyie Osei Yeboah Ansurowia, Twafuohene of the area has organized a free dental health education and screening program for residents and students within the area.
The outreach, held at the Bouyem Community Center, formed part of KATH’s ongoing commitment to promoting preventive healthcare and improving oral health awareness, especially in underserved communities. The exercise attracted scored of community members, including school children, parents, and the elderly, who received vital education on oral hygiene and professional dental screening.
Giving the health education at the event, Ms. Irene Owusu, Principal Physician Assistant at the Oral Health Directorate of KATH, emphasized the importance of early detection of oral diseases and encouraged beneficiaries to adopt regular brushing, reduce sugar intake, and periodic dental check-ups. “Most oral health conditions are preventable. Through education and screening, we can reduce the high incidence of dental problems found in our communities,” she noted.
In a separate interview after the program , Okatakyie Osei Yeboah Ansurowia who doubles as the Director of Administration of KATH, expressed his excitement about the collaboration. He recalled that upon his enstoolment as Chief, he made a solemn promise to ensure that the people of Bouyem received all the healthcare support they needed. “As part of fulfilling this promise, I have already donated several medical consumables to the community and organized our first outreach focused on mental health. This partnership with the Oral Health Directorate marks our second major health outreach, dedicated to improving oral hygiene,” he said.
He further thanked the KATH Oral Health team for their commitment and urged residents to prioritize their health by taking advantage of such initiatives.
The Chiefs and elders of Bouyem also expressed their heartfelt appreciation to KATH for choosing their community, highlighting the importance of health partnerships in rural development. They urged residents, especially students, to take the advice seriously and maintain good oral hygiene practices.
Over 300 participants were screened for common dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral infections, with referrals made for those requiring further treatment. The outreach also featured live demonstrations on proper brushing techniques and the distribution of educational materials.
The program concluded with a renewed commitment from both KATH and the Bouyem traditional leadership to sustain such community-based health initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles.
