UAE Launches Free Dental Screenings for Kindergarten Pupils
The UAE has introduced a new dental health screening programme for Kindergarten 1 (KG1) pupils in public schools, aiming to identify oral health problems at an early age.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced the initiative on November 6, 2026, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Emirates Health Services (EHS).
The programme will provide children with comprehensive oral and dental examinations before they enter primary school. It will focus on detecting tooth decay, gum disease and other conditions that could affect children’s health, growth and ability to learn.
Under the initiative, parents can take their children to government health centres operated by EHS or private healthcare facilities for the screening. This gives families different options to access the service.
Dr Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at MoHAP, said the initiative reflects the UAE’s focus on preventive healthcare. He highlighted the importance of developing good oral health habits during preschool years.
The programme also aims to reduce future health complications by identifying dental problems before they become more serious. Children who require further attention can be directed towards appropriate preventive or treatment services.
The initiative supports the UAE‘s wider efforts to improve children’s healthcare and encourage regular dental check-ups from an early age. It also reflects the World Health Organisation’s oral health strategy for 2023–2030, which emphasises prevention and early detection.
