My Smile Team’s mission is to build a culture of preventive oral healthcare in Oman, so that people do not wait for dental disorder to avail of treatment

Every healthy smile begins with a simple daily habit, yet many people only think about oral health when pain strikes.

In Oman, a dedicated group of volunteers is working to change that mindset by taking preventive dental education directly into schools, shopping malls and community spaces, helping thousands of children and families understand that good oral hygiene is the foundation of lifelong health and wellbeing.

For nearly 15 years, My Smile Team has grown from a grassroots volunteer initiative into one of the sultanate’s leading community oral health awareness programmes. Through interactive campaigns, educational events and outreach activities across the country, the team has championed a simple but powerful message – preventing dental disease is far easier and far less costly than treating it.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Omar Salim Al Hanashi, co-founder and board member of My Smile Team, said the initiative was established in 2011 by a group of volunteers who recognised the need to promote oral health awareness among children and encourage preventive dental care from an early age.

“The idea of establishing the team started in 2011, and the core objective was to raise oral health awareness in the community, with a particular focus on children,” Al Hanashi said.

What began with educational visits to schools has since evolved into a comprehensive outreach platform that addresses multiple aspects of oral health education and prevention.

Over the years, the team has expanded its activities beyond classrooms to include health exhibitions, shopping malls, community events, dental camps and awareness campaigns organised in collaboration with various institutions. This wider presence has enabled volunteers to engage children, parents, teachers, healthcare professionals and members of the public across Oman.

“The main objectives of My Smile Team are to promote oral health awareness, encourage preventive dental care, support community education and contribute to improving the overall oral health of the population,” Al Hanashi explained.

The importance of these efforts is reflected in the continuing prevalence of preventable dental diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease, particularly among children. Although healthcare services have advanced significantly in Oman, many people still seek treatment only after problems arise rather than taking preventive measures.

To address this challenge, My Smile Team focuses on delivering evidence-based oral health education in engaging and accessible ways. Volunteers teach proper brushing techniques, highlight the importance of regular dental check-ups and encourage healthy eating habits that contribute to stronger teeth and gums.

One of the organisation’s most successful initiatives has been the Super Tooth programme, held for four consecutive years at Kids Mall. Designed to make oral health education enjoyable and memorable, the programme combined interactive games, competitions and educational sessions to encourage positive habits among young participants.

“One of our most successful initiatives was the Super Tooth programme, which we proudly organised for four consecutive years at Kids Mall,” Al Hanashi said. “Through interactive activities, games and educational sessions, we were able to engage hundreds of children and families while promoting important oral health messages in a fun and memorable way.”

The enthusiastic response from children, parents and event organisers reinforced the belief that creative educational approaches can have a lasting impact on community health awareness. School outreach continues to form the backbone of the organisation’s work.

Looking ahead, the organisation has ambitious plans to broaden its outreach across the sultanate. Volunteers are preparing educational activities for Salalah Season and hope to participate in the Surgical Awareness Event in Salalah later this year. Preparations are also underway for participation in the Oman Science Festival 2026.