Pepsodent marks World Oral Health Day with one free dental check-up for Ugandans

"You cannot tell someone is happy until they smile," says Doctor Joel Oroni at the start of the Pepsodent new global campaign "Now Everyone Can #TalkToADentist" to mark World Oral Health Day 2023 at Mengo Hospital.

As the world celebrates Oral Health Day, Pepsodent has launched a campaign to provide an opportunity for Ugandans to have their first visit to the dentist at zero cost.

According to the head of the dental department at Mengo Hospital, Doctor Nevis Agirembabazi, the cost of getting a dental check is too high for the average person to afford. Moreover, the ratio of dentists to patients in the country is 1:146,000 a far cry from the recommended 1:7,500 by the World Health Organisation.

In these circumstances, more than 86 percent of the Ugandan population has never visited a dentist.

86 percent of the Ugandan population has never visited a dentist Pulse

Adding vitality to life through healthy habits

Joanita Mukasa Menya, the Managing Director of Unilever Uganda says that through their brand, they are seeking to ignite and encourage habits that promote oral health. Starting today, Pepsodent is helping thousands of Ugandans to take the first step in securing their oral health through free dental check-ups at different health centres and schools across the country including Mengo Hospital where the campaign was activated.

During the launch at Mengo Hospital, in the Dental department building, the team hands out oral health care packages to health providers and school children to kickstart the free dental consultations of 100 people.

School-goers receiving their oral health care packages Pulse

“We want to help everyone access the quality dental advice and care they deserve, especially those who have never been to a dentist before. Our World Oral Health Day 2023 campaign, ‘Now Everyone Can #TalkToADentist’ encourages people to take the first step to improve their oral health by going for their first dental visit, for free,” Mukasa said.

Professional guidance

Also present at the launch, Doctor Ken Chapman Kigozi, the outgoing dental department head, says that concerted efforts have to be made to boost oral health.

Doctor Ken Chapman handing out a care package to a school-goer Pulse

Notably, he said that it is of utmost importance to avoid going to sleep without brushing. He acknowledges how hard it can be to create healthy oral habits and avoid sweet foodstuffs, but he stresses nightly brushing as one of the bulwarks against cavities and gum disease in the population.

However, Chapman stressed the need to get a dental check-up at least once a year to clean those areas that we miss when cleaning our teeth.

Other places where you and your family can access this free visit include IMC Kololo, Pan Dental Naguru, Pan Dental Buganda Road, UMC Bukoto, and Life Link Hospital in Ntinda. The team has also set camp at St. Peters S.S Nsambya and St. Josephs Girls S.S.S Nsambya.

Did you know: It was discovered that Ugandans had a difficult time adjusting to toothpaste gel which inspired the chalk-like structure of Pepsodent.

A long tradition of Uganda's oral health

Doctor Joel Oroni (L) Unilever Managing Director Joanite Mukasa Menya (C) and Doctor Nevise Agirembabazi (R) Pulse

The paste is packed with fluoride which is essential in fortifying teeth enamel against bacteria invasion after meals and especially throughout the night.

Parents have been advised to give children small portions to brush with to reduce fluoride consumption in children who are yet to learn to spit. However, the ingredient is harmless.

The brand enjoys a wealth of experience from the Unilever Oral Care tradition that has amassed 40 years of making anti-cavity systems for families.

According to Mukasa, this is the start of many collaborations with dental healthcare facilities in the country in alignment with Pepsodent's #EverySmileMatters.

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