Ain Shams University Faculty of Dentistry Organizes a Specialized Seminar on Dealing with People with Disabilities
Under the generous patronage of Prof. Dr. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abdeen, President of Ain Shams University, Prof. Dr. Ghada Farouk, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Development, and Prof. Dr. Karim El-Batouti, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, and under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Walaa Hamed, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Community Service and Environmental Development, the Faculty of Dentistry organized an interactive seminar entitled “How to Deal with People with Disabilities”, in the context of supporting inclusivity.
The seminar came as part of a series of events aimed at raising awareness among students and faculty members about the importance of professional and humane interaction with people with disabilities, especially in the field of dentistry. The seminar was attended by internship students, teaching assistants, faculty members, and a group of nurses and administrative staff.
Dr. Mostafa El-Shahed, Assistant Professor of Occupational and Environmental Dentistry and Deputy Director of the Center for Students with Disabilities at Ain Shams University, presented a main lecture rich in practical information and training. Dr. El-Shahed focused on strategies for effective communication, modifying the clinic environment to be friendly for people with sensory and motor disabilities, and how to deal with psychological and behavioral challenges during dental treatment.
Among the main points covered:
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Environmental Modifications: Installation of auditory and visual signals, wheelchairs, and specially designed treatment tools.
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Non-Verbal Communication: Use of signs and pictures to communicate with people with verbal disabilities.
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Psychological Support: Techniques to calm anxiety in children with autism or intellectual disabilities.
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Laws and Rights: Review of Egyptian legislation related to the rights of people with disabilities in health services.
Lively Interaction and Practical Recommendations
The seminar included an interactive Q&A session, where students asked questions about practical applications in university dental clinics. Dr. El-Shahed emphasized the importance of training students early to become inclusive dentists, noting that “Proper interaction with people with disabilities is not only a moral duty but also a professional necessity for building a healthy society.”
The seminar concluded with the distribution of attendance certificates and an invitation to upcoming practical workshops. Prof. Dr. Walaa Hamed expressed her happiness with the event, affirming that it is a step toward enhancing the faculty’s role in community service and supporting people with disabilities.
The Faculty of Dentistry continues to organize such events to enhance the professional and human skills of its students.