FORMER drug users are among the vulnerable groups who often face significant barriers in accessing healthcare, including oral health services.
This lack of access further exacerbates their oral health conditions – already compromised due to prolonged substance abuse – and poses challenges to their social reintegration.
Recognising the need to support their well-being, a group of 32 students from the Universiti Malaya (UM) Faculty of Dentistry – comprising 12 Year Four students and 20 junior volunteers – recently reached out to former drug addicts currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Conducted as part of their undergraduate service-learning course, the outreach project focused on oral health promotion, basic dental screenings, and preventive care.
The students visited the Rumah Sahabat drug rehabilitation centre in Hulu Langat, Selangor, on four occasions from April to May, beginning with a needs assessment, followed by the implementation of various oral health activities.
In addition, dental and HIV screenings were carried out in collaboration with the Hulu Langat District Health Office.
According to student leader Mia Izrina Izzuddin in a press release dated June 13, the project aimed not only to improve oral health outcomes but also to empower individuals in recovery by treating them with respect and compassion.
Team members Muhamad Akif and Dayang Nur Amiira shared that the team also developed a training module and reminder materials for trainers, incorporating Islamic values related to oral care, “to help sustain the programme beyond the duration of our project”.
Reflecting on their experiences, students Nur Syafiqah, Shelby Ngooi Xin Min and Tan Xuen Yue said the project inspired them to give back to marginalised communities.
Muhammad Shafiq, Low Zhe Hsien and Jaskiran Kaur Gill said they gained “valuable real-world experience” by assisting lecturers during dental treatments and also developed a deeper understanding of the social determinants that influence individuals’ well-being.
Wong Xin Ning, Rachel Tham Shu Fang and Derrica Ladius highlighted the importance of negotiation skills and collaborative efforts with key stakeholders, including the National Anti-Drugs Agency, Persatuan Mencegah Dadah Malaysia, and medical personnel from the Hulu Langat District Health Office, in delivering a meaningful intervention.
Rumah Sahabat manager Asyraf Amri Mohamad and his team expressed their gratitude for the initiative, noting that this was the first time many residents had received any form of oral care since entering the programme.
A short-term project evaluation also indicated improvement of oral health knowledge among the residents, the press release added.
Project adviser Assoc Prof Dr Nor Azlida Mohd Nor said the initiative highlighted the essential role that students and academic institutions can play in bridging the gap between education and underserved communities.
“The experience also shaped the students’ professional development, cultivating empathy and social responsibility,” she said.
