The Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University, organised an oral health promotion project titled “Healthy Teeth, Beautiful Smiles, Happy Lives for Seniors” on 14 March 2026 at Thetsaban Sam Liam School in Khon Kaen Province. The event, a collaboration between dental students from the Faculty of Dentistry and the Sam Liam community, aimed to enhance elderly participants’ knowledge and understanding of oral hygiene, proper tooth cleaning techniques, and denture care. The project also sought to raise awareness of the strong connection between oral health and overall physical well-being, enabling participants to apply this knowledge effectively in their daily lives.
During the event, participants received guidance on selecting appropriate toothpaste and using the correct amount, alongside complimentary dental health check-ups. The programme also featured advisory sessions on preventive oral care, accessing dental services, post-treatment care, and navigating healthcare entitlements. To further motivate participants, the project provided health information relevant to seniors, underscoring the role of oral hygiene as a key factor in overall quality of life. Additionally, information on the importance and correct maintenance of dentures was provided, highlighting benefits such as improved eating ability, reduced risk of infection, enhanced physical health, and lower long-term treatment costs.
To create an engaging and enjoyable learning environment, the project incorporated various recreational activities. These included a short educational play on oral health, a question-and-answer session to reinforce learning, and skill-based games such as tossing ping-pong balls into a basket and passing balloons. Participants were also encouraged to engage in light physical activities, including a Baslop dance session and salivary gland exercises, designed to promote movement appropriate for older adults, strengthen facial muscles, and help alleviate dry mouth conditions.
This initiative focused on delivering dental knowledge tailored to the context of the elderly through recreational activities that integrated oral and general health information. The goal was to empower seniors to apply what they learned effectively in their daily routines. In addition to promoting the oral health of the community’s elderly population, the project provided the organising students with a valuable opportunity to learn about community engagement and develop professional skills essential for their future careers.
