Africa-Press – Uganda. A local non-governmental organisation, Hope Smiles, has intensified efforts to improve access to oral healthcare in Pader District through free dental camps and community health education programs targeting vulnerable residents.
The initiative aims to reach patients who cannot afford private dental treatment or the cost of travelling outside the district for specialised services.
Speaking to our reporter, the founder of Hope Smiles, Julius Peter Ocen, said tooth-related illnesses remain alarmingly common in Pader compared to other districts in the Acholi Sub-region.
“Many residents in Pader suffer from untreated dental conditions simply because they cannot afford treatment,” Ocen explained.
“Others are forced to travel to Gulu, Kitgum, or Lira for services, which becomes very expensive. That is why we decided to bring these services closer to the people.”
According to Ocen, the organisation recently conducted two major dental camps at Pajule Health Centre IV, where 1,115 patients received treatment. An additional 900 patients were attended to during another outreach at Atanga Health Centre III, both located in Aruu North Constituency.
The services offered during the camps included tooth extractions, consultations, treatment of infections, and oral health education sessions.
Ocen revealed that the next outreach is scheduled for May and will likely be held at either Pader Health Centre III or Acol Pii. The organisation also plans to extend its services to Lokole Sub-county in Agago District in November 2026.
“Our goal is not only to treat but also to educate communities about preventing dental problems,” Ocen added. “Prevention is cheaper and more sustainable than cure.”
The Pader District Health Inspector, Ronald Okot, welcomed the initiative but emphasised the importance of preventive oral hygiene at the household level.
“Brushing teeth after meals and before going to bed is critical in preventing tooth decay, toothache, and bad breath,” Okot advised. “Many people complain of severe tooth pain at night because bacteria become more active when the body is at rest.”
Okot also acknowledged that dental services remain limited in many lower-level health facilities. Although Health Centre IVs are structurally required to have qualified dental officers, many lack the necessary personnel and equipment.
“The demand for dental services is high, but staffing gaps remain a major challenge,” he noted.
Hope Smiles has urged residents to take advantage of the free services whenever dental camps are announced, emphasising that early treatment can prevent serious complications.
As oral health continues to receive limited attention in rural districts, initiatives like Hope Smiles’ outreach programs are helping to bridge the gap and reduce the burden of untreated dental diseases in northern Uganda.
