On 21 October, 2025, the Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University (KKU) organized a community dental service activity to honor Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother, on the occasion of National Dental Public Health Day 2025, under the theme “In Honor of Somdet Ya: For the People’s Oral Health.” The event offered free dental checkups and treatments to the general public as a tribute and continuation of Her Royal Highness’s royal initiative to improve oral health among Thai people.
In the morning, the activity was led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Achirawut Supanphayach, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, together with Dr. Theeraphan Sorsakul, Associate Dean for Dental Hospital, faculty members, and staff, who participated in a wreath-laying ceremony to pay homage and express gratitude for the benevolence of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra at the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University.
Subsequently, the KKU Dental Hospital offered various dental services such as fillings, scaling, tooth extraction, wisdom tooth removal, and pediatric dental care — including fillings, sealant application, tooth polishing, fluoride coating, and basic oral health consultation. The services were provided by faculty members, dentists, nurses, and dental students who volunteered with smiles and compassion.
The event also featured an exhibition honoring the Princess Mother, as well as educational sessions on oral health care, toothbrushing demonstrations, flossing techniques, and oral health education activities. These aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and preventive dental care.
On the same day, Mr. Wirot Srisodsai, a generous donor, presented safety helmets to the Faculty of Dentistry to promote traffic discipline and road safety among staff and dental students — another initiative that reflected care for the well-being and safety of the community.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Achirawut Supanphayach, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, stated: “The National Dental Public Health Day has been organized continuously since 1986, initiated by the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation (Por. Or. Sor.) to pay tribute to Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, who is honored as the ‘Mother of Thai Dentistry.’ In 1989, the Cabinet declared October 21 of every year as National Dental Public Health Day, encouraging dental institutions nationwide to provide free dental services as an act of gratitude and remembrance of Her Royal Highness’s benevolence.”
His statement reflects the Princess Mother’s deep compassion and lifelong concern for the health of the Thai people, particularly regarding oral and dental diseases — often underestimated but affecting long-term quality of life. Her Royal Highness once remarked on December 14, 1986:
“I believe that those who receive dental treatment are very happy. Dental diseases can cause great pain, and when they are relieved, it brings comfort. Those who help relieve such suffering are truly doing merit. I am grateful to everyone who has continued this work for many years and hope that you will keep your kind hearts and continue to serve.”
This royal remark reflects Her boundless kindness and served as the inspiration for the establishment of the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation (Por. Or. Sor.) in 1969, which provided medical and dental care to people in remote areas. The project later expanded into the Royal Mobile Dental Unit under His Majesty the King’s Patronage, ensuring that underprivileged citizens receive equitable oral health services.
This activity not only expressed loyalty and gratitude toward Her Royal Highness but also carried forward Her Royal wish for Thai people to have good oral health and self-reliance. The Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University, remains committed to advancing public dental health services, improving the quality of life for communities, and dedicating these efforts as a perpetual tribute to Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother.
