JEDDAH: Every year, the last week in March is observed by GCC countries as “Oral Health Week” as part of a plan to promote preventive measures to reduce the incidence of oral and dental disease.
Adopted in 2008 by GCC health ministers at their 65th conference held in Geneva, GCC Oral Health Unified Week is dedicated to raising awareness of dental diseases across all sectors of society in GCC countries on chronic diseases, and to reduce dental-related diseases.
As part of their social responsibility, more than 40 dentists in Jeddah Province each year voluntarily treat 10,000 patients, offering a variety of free services, according to a report published Saturday.
Dr. Rinad Al-Ghamedi, from the Ibn Sina College in Jeddah, said: “The female students in the fourth to sixth levels in the college, in addition to those specializing, offer their services free to patients who are in need. These services include cleaning, fillings, fixed and mobile dental fixtures.” She added they do this under the supervision of consultants and specialists.
Dr. Al-Ghamedi outlines the procedure. “At first, these patients are given an initial check-up of their teeth. A file is created for them and they are then given a fixed appointment. All appointments for their dental treatments are distributed among the participating dentists in the program,” she said. She added that the type of treatment is decided by the doctor after diagnosis.
“This segment of patients can not afford the cost of dental treatment, and hence, came the participation of our doctors as part of our responsibility toward the community.”
She said the free treatment program has proved successful especially among low-income patients, adding that dental implants have even been provided for patients suffering from loss of teeth, especially in the front section, to enhance appearance, and put smiles back on their faces.
Volunteer dentists donate skills to put smiles on 10,000 patients in Jeddah
Volunteer dentists donate skills to put smiles on 10,000 patients in Jeddah
Northern Borders rock art reveals ancient life
- Among the most notable remains are stone structures scattered northwest of Arar
- Evidence ranges from the Neolithic era to Islamic times, forming a chronological record
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region contains numerous archaeological sites, reflecting a long history of human settlement dating back to early periods, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Among the most notable remains are stone structures scattered northwest of Arar.
Varying in shape, size and design, specialists believe these structures date to the end of the Neolithic period and the beginning of subsequent eras. They are thought to have been used as stone tombs to preserve the remains of the dead.
Evidence ranges from the Neolithic era to Islamic times, forming a chronological record that highlights the diversity of communities that once lived in the region and how they interacted with their natural environment over centuries.
Ajab Al-Otaibi, director general of antiquities at the Heritage Commission, said the stone structures and rock art sites in the Northern Borders region represent an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s national cultural heritage and serve as an important resource for archaeological studies and scientific research.
He highlighted the importance of surveys, documentation and protection efforts to preserve these cultural landmarks as a historical legacy for future generations.
The region is also home to several important rock art sites, such as Shu’ayb Hamer, which features a wide and diverse collection of drawings carved on natural rock surfaces, marking it as a key site that documented early human activity in the area.
The artworks depict scenes of hunting, horsemanship, dancing, daily life and social rituals. They were created using a variety of artistic styles, most notably framed and abstract forms, and produced through different techniques including incizing and pecking, both direct and indirect.
The carvings portray human figures and a range of animals, including camels, horses and gazelles, as well as some wild and predatory species that have long since disappeared.
These images provide insight into the richness of the natural environment in earlier periods and help researchers understand the evolving relationship between humans and their surroundings.
