This spring, OHFAR Academy continued its missions of training healthcare professionals in Armenia on preventive dentistry and pediatric oral health through two new courses.
Training Armenian Pediatricians in Yerevan
Continuing its educational mission through OHFAR Academy, Dr Weiss and Dr Khachyan conducted a guest lecture during the Annual Conference of the Armenian Pediatric Association (APA) on May 18, 2026.
These sessions focused on:
- Pediatric oral health and prevention strategies
- Early detection of dental diseases in children
- The role of primary care physicians in oral-systemic health integration
The APA conference sessions brought together around 200 pediatricians and primary care physicians from across Armenia, strengthening collaboration between dental and medical professionals. This multidisciplinary approach supports continuous professional development and improves overall child healthcare outcomes.
Training Rural Community Health Workers of HENAR in Syunik
On May 13, 2026, OHFAR team held an online training session in collaboration with the HENAR – Health Network for Armenia Community Health Workers (CHW) Program titled “Saving Adult Smiles in Rural Armenia.” The session brought together international expertise and local healthcare engagement to improve oral health awareness and preventive dental care practices in rural Armenian communities.
The training was led by:
- Dr. Arnold Weiss, DDS, MScD, FACD – President of OHFAR and Associate Clinical Professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
- Dr. Hripsime Khachyan – Pediatric Dentist and OHFAR clinical specialist
Together, they provided evidence-based guidance on improving oral health outcomes, emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and community-based care models.
The session focused on strengthening the capacity of Community Health Workers (CHWs) to:
- Improve oral health awareness in rural populations
- Promote preventive dental care practices
- Support early detection of dental conditions
- Enhance collaboration between healthcare providers
This initiative highlighted the importance of education and interdisciplinary cooperation in improving long-term health outcomes in underserved regions.
