Parents of young children in UAE public schools have a new reason to book a check-up. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched an oral and dental health screening project for Kindergarten 1 (KG1) pupils in public schools across the country, aimed at spotting problems before children start primary school.
The project was announced on Friday, 6 November 2026, and is being run with the Ministry of Education and Emirates Health Services (EHS).
What the KG1 dental screening covers
According to MoHAP, as reported by Khaleej Times and The National, the screenings are designed for early detection of:
- Tooth decay (dental caries)
- Gum disease
- Other oral conditions that could affect a child’s health, development or ability to learn
The ministry said the initiative supports its wider focus on prevention and early detection. Khaleej Times reported that it is also aligned with the World Health Organization’s global oral health strategy for 2023 to 2030.
Where families can take their children
Families can take their children for screening at government health centres run by Emirates Health Services, or at private healthcare facilities, according to both reports.
The National described the screenings as free in its report. However, neither report sets out a start date, a rollout schedule, how often screenings will take place, or whether any costs apply at private facilities. Parents who want to take part are advised to check with their child’s school or their nearest EHS centre for the latest details before booking.
What officials said
Dr Hussain Al Rand, assistant undersecretary for the public health sector at MoHAP, said the project reflects a national approach that sees prevention as the strongest foundation for a healthy society. “Promoting oral and dental health from the preschool years helps establish healthy habits,” he said.
He added that families play a central role in building daily habits and monitoring their children’s health, working alongside the health and education sectors.
Tareq Al Hashimi of the Ministry of Education said: “Health supports children’s readiness to learn,” Khaleej Times reported.
What parents should know
- Who it is for: KG1 pupils in UAE public schools
- Who runs it: MoHAP, the Ministry of Education and Emirates Health Services
- What is checked: Tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health conditions
- Where: EHS government health centres or private healthcare facilities
- Cost: Described as free by The National; confirm with your school or health centre, particularly for private clinics
- Timing: No rollout schedule has been published yet
Why the early years matter
Officials framed the project as part of the UAE’s preventive healthcare plans. By checking children at KG1, the aim is to identify issues while there is still time to address them before formal schooling begins, rather than waiting for problems to appear later.
For families, the screening is also a chance to ask questions about a child’s teeth and to agree on any follow-up care with a qualified dentist. MoHAP has encouraged parents to stay involved and to keep up healthy habits at home, in coordination with schools and health providers.
Private school families who are not covered by this project can speak to their school nurse or a licensed dental clinic about routine check-ups for young children.
Sources: Khaleej Times, The National
