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The Faculty of Mass Communication at Ain Shams University, in cooperation with the Faculty of Dentistry, organized an expanded seminar on oral and dental health and its impact on psychological and physical well-being. The event was held under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University; Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; and Prof. Rami Maher, Vice President for Education and Students Affairs. The seminar was supervised by Prof. Heba Shaheen, Dean of the Faculty of Mass Communication; Prof. Karim El-Batouty, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry; Prof. Salwa Soliman, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Mass Communication for Education and Students Affairs; and Prof. Reham Magdy, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry for Education and Students Affairs.

The seminar was inaugurated by Prof. Heba Shaheen, Dean of the Faculty of Mass Communication, who welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two faculties, highlighting the value of interdisciplinary integration and the exchange of expertise. She affirmed that medical disciplines represent a hallmark of excellence at Ain Shams University and extended her appreciation to faculty members and postgraduate researchers from the Faculty of Dentistry for their participation and engagement.

Dr. Yara El-Berlasy explained the relationship between oral health and both physical and psychological well-being, noting that the mouth is the gateway to the body, and that dental health is inseparable from overall bodily health, functioning as part of an interconnected system. She pointed out that the mouth contains more than 700 types of bacteria, both beneficial and harmful, and discussed causes of bacterial imbalance, such as neglecting oral hygiene and smoking.

She also addressed the relationship between oral health and cardiovascular diseases, the link between gum disease and diabetes, the impact of oral health on the respiratory system and pregnancy, and the increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Additionally, she highlighted the connection between oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the increased likelihood of depression among individuals suffering from gum inflammation and poor personal hygiene. She concluded by stressing that the relationship between oral health and overall health is reciprocal and extends beyond aesthetics to serve as a comprehensive health indicator.

Dr. Mohamed Osman emphasized the relationship between smoking and oral health, outlining the serious health risks associated with smoking, including oral cancer, bad breath, tooth discoloration, and delayed wound healing. He also discussed the differences between traditional smoking and electronic cigarettes, stressing that alternatives are not a solution and that complete cessation remains the best option for both oral and general health from medical and economic perspectives.

Dr. Nesreen El-Gabaly then provided a simplified explanation of dental injuries, their types, and proper methods of management, highlighting common signs such as bleeding, swelling, and abnormal tooth mobility, and underscoring the importance of prompt medical intervention. This was followed by an open discussion and Q&A session with students.

Subsequently, Dr. Akram Shoman delivered a presentation focusing on the various dental specialties, including radiology, public health, oral diseases, and orthodontics. He explained that choosing the appropriate specialty reduces diagnostic errors, saves time for both physicians and patients, and contributes to delivering precise and professional treatment services.

Dr. Nada Ismail addressed the importance of dental appearance in enhancing one’s external image, particularly on camera and during media presentations. She noted that teeth are among the first features noticed by others and have a direct impact on speech articulation and self-confidence in communication. She reviewed the most common aesthetic issues, such as discoloration, tooth yellowing, misalignment, gummy smiles, and missing teeth, while showcasing the latest cosmetic solutions, including digital technologies that allow patients to preview their smile before treatment through advanced digital design software.

Dr. Eman Attia presented an interactive segment on popular dental care trends circulating on social media. She reviewed several videos with students, encouraging them to assess their benefits or potential harm, such as using lemon or charcoal for whitening and oil pulling with coconut oil. She highlighted the risks associated with some of these practices and emphasized the importance of obtaining medical information from reliable sources rather than relying solely on trending online videos.

The seminar concluded with Dr. Amira El-Naggar offering practical advice for maintaining oral health, including reducing sugar and carbonated beverage consumption, maintaining daily oral hygiene, and removing tartar buildup. She also provided a hands-on demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques, with the participation of many students and faculty staff. The event was organized by I Club – Media under the supervision of Dr. Nada Mounir, Director of the Innovation Unit at the Faculty of Mass Communication, in cooperation with I Club – Dentistry under the supervision of Dr. Amira El-Naggar, Director of the Innovation Unit at the Faculty of Dentistry.

The seminar concluded amid notable student engagement, with open discussions and inquiries, and the distribution of symbolic gifts in a friendly atmosphere that promoted health awareness and underscored the value of collaboration among university faculties in raising student awareness.