UM dental students provide essential care to undocumented children

In an effort to improve healthcare equity, students from Universiti Malaya (UM) have launched a community outreach project to provide dental care to undocumented children at Buku Jalanan Chow Kit (BJCK) in Malaysia. This initiative is part of Service-Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM), a program introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education that enables students to apply their knowledge and skills to address community issues.

The project specifically targets undocumented children who, due to their legal status, have limited access to essential health services, including dental care. These children face numerous barriers such as poverty, lack of education, and restricted healthcare access, making them particularly vulnerable to health problems. By addressing the pressing dental health needs of this marginalized group, the project aims to fill a critical gap in public health.

Hands-on Efforts by Dedicated Students

The project was spearheaded by ten dedicated fourth-year UM dental students, with support from faculty and industry partners. The students visited the BJCK center over weekends in January, April, and June 2024, providing oral health education and basic dental services such as examinations, scaling, and fluoride therapy. Interactive oral health education activities were conducted to teach the children and their caregivers proper oral hygiene practices.

Nur Aisyah Mohd Saudi, the student group leader, highlighted the importance of the project, saying, “Some of these children suffered from untreated dental conditions such as gum disease and cavities, which could lead to severe pain and other complications. We hoped that every child, regardless of their legal status, could have a healthy smile.”

For many of the BJCK children, this project represented more than just dental care; it symbolized hope and inclusion. Eleven-year-old Aiman (not his real name), who received his first dental scaling, expressed his gratitude: “My gums sometimes bleed, and I’m afraid to smile. Now, my mouth feels clean, and I can smile without being ashamed.” A mother who accompanied her eight-year-old child for a dental screening shared her excitement: “My son, after attending your previous educational activities, always reminded me to buy his toothbrush and toothpaste. He wanted to take care of his teeth at home.”

Building a Sustainable Future

UM students and BJCK manager En Azril acknowledged that there was still much work to be done, particularly in ensuring long-term access and equity in dental care for these undocumented children. Project advisor Associate Professor Dr. Nor Azlida Mohd Nor emphasized the need for ongoing support and partnerships to enhance the program’s sustainability. “This project not only benefited the BJCK community but also had a profound impact on the dental students, helping them develop soft skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork,” she said.

Students Loo Jing Thong and Aishah Chung Shau Keong reflected on their experiences, stating that the SULAM project had motivated them to give back to the community. Nur Afrina Husna, Stephanie Hooi Kah Wai, and Ng Yu Juin gained valuable field experience assisting lecturers in dental treatments and creating educational tools. Wong Wei Shen’s web-based dental fun run, Afiqah Razali’s interactive puppet show, and Nur Izzah Harith Sherifuddin’s “Diet Jenga” were among the innovative tools developed to promote oral health education.

Through direct community interaction, students developed empathy and a deeper understanding of societal issues. This hands-on experience not only enhanced their practical skills but also instilled a sense of social responsibility, fostering a commitment to making a positive impact. The project stands as a beacon of hope, fostering inclusivity and compassion by addressing the dental needs of undocumented children.