The fourth edition of the Oral Health and Malocclusion Prevention Project starts today, 11th March 2025, and is promoted by UniCamillus’ MSc in Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics.
The project, conceived by Professor Paola Cozza—President of the MSc in Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics at UniCamillus—and coordinated by Dr. Roberta Lione and Professor Giuseppina Laganà, offers free dental check-ups to children and teenagers aged between 6 and 14, with the aim of assessing their oral health, eating and hygiene habits, and identifying any occlusion problems.
Each year, UniCamillus chooses to partner with a school in a neighbourhood close to the university, thus consolidating its commitment to health promotion and establishing an ongoing dialogue with the local community.
Hundreds of children receive free check-ups each year
In the previous edition (academic year 2023-2024), almost 600 pupils from the ‘Istituto Comprensivo N.M. Nicolai’ participated in the project, confirming the success of an initiative that combines oral health promotion with on-the-job training for UniCamillus students.
The 2025 edition of the project will involve the Istituto Comprensivo Piersanti Mattarella (Casal Bertone/Collatino area), directed by Annarita Tiberio, and will continue with scheduled dates until 28th May 2025.
For this edition, 439 students have already applied to take part, with more applications expected in the coming weeks. The check-ups take place directly in the school, with groups of 3 or 4 classes at a time. At the end of each visit, each child receives a personalised health record with an oral health assessment and practical advice on hygiene and prevention.
A fundamental role is played by the second-year students on the MSc in Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics, who participate in the activities under the supervision of the lecturers and tutors of the integrated course module Principles of Dentistry, acquiring valuable practical skills and first contact with patients: this provides a valuable exchange between the university and the school.
Oral prevention is a fundamental right
“In the fourth edition of the project, the importance of the awareness that children acquire through oral health is becoming more and more apparent”, comments Lione. “Children, students, teachers, and lecturers share moments of joy and happiness through educational exchanges on prevention and oral care. The involvement of all stakeholders leads to collective empowerment and an exceptional educational experience”.
“With this initiative, our University confirms its role in supporting the community and the health of the most vulnerable, such as children. Oral prevention is a fundamental right that must be accessible to everyone, and we are proud to bring this project to schools, contributing in a tangible way to the well-being of children and, indirectly, their families”, says Gianni Profita, Rector of UniCamillus.
The project is part of the Third Mission activities through which UniCamillus strengthens its ties with the local community, promoting the culture of prevention and health protection among children through free initiatives aimed at schools on various aspects of well-being, from oral health to proper nutrition.
