How USIM’s Mobile Dental Clinic Brought Smiles to the Streets of Chow Kit
Every month, on third week Thursday night in Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur, as the city winds down and traffic fades, a quiet buzz begins along Jalan Belia. Beneath the streetlights, lies a familiar sight of people queuing quietly for food and sharing laughter with each other.
By 8:00 p.m., a mobile dental clinic rolling into the heart of Chow Kit. The spirit of voluntary service is already in motion. Volunteers which are among dental students, dental practitioners, dental surgery assistants, and even from non-dental background, came from all walks of life begin unloading boxes and equipment.
The empty street corner quickly transforms:portable dental chair was assembled, a sterilization zone neatly arranged, registration counters prepared, and a station for blood pressure and glucose screening set up. Portable lights are mounted to illuminate the treatment area to ensure procedures can be carried out safely.
Nearby, another corner becomes the oral hygiene instruction area, where toothbrushes, toothpaste, and educational pamphlets are lined up, ready to be distributed. Before the first patient arrives, a short briefing is held by Dr. Hanif, a steadfast leader from Dentistry for The Needy (DFTN).
At the same time, inside the mobile dental clinic, Dr. Nor Azura prepares the USIM team which are final-year and fourth year dental students with clear instructions, words of motivation, and a reminder of why they are here. The students prepare the clinical area with a trained hands, laying out sterile instruments, checking the dental units, adjusting lighting, and ensuring every corner of the compact clinic is ready to safely receive patients in need.
Before receiving any dental care, all patient’s information and medical history were obtained at the registration counter. Patients also were screened for blood pressure and blood glucose levels to ensure they are fit and safe for treatment. Then they were brought to dental screening station.
After the initial screening, they are directed to the treatment planning area, where dental professionals assess their needs. Patients requiring scaling or restorations are referred to the Mobile Dental Clinic for further care, while those needing simple extractions are managed on portable dental chairs set up on-site.
A Monthly Mission Rooted in Service
This monthly service is a collaboration between USIM’s Faculty of Dentistry and DFTN started since 2017. Over the years, it’s grown into more than a routine. The momentum didn’t build overnight. But over the years, consistency has become the heartbeat of this mission. Because of that consistency, familiar faces now greet us month after month.
Even without knowing our names, patients approach us with smiles and conversation as if reconnecting with old friends. They sit with ease, speaking with familiarity, shaking our hand and express gratitude, not just for the treatment, but also building connection and rapport. Often, they came with their life stories, to be shared to us, to be listened and feel heard. This is the power of presence, when the service is consistent and sincerity is felt.
From Makeshift Corners to a Mobile Dental Clinic
Between 2017 and 2023, the outreach operated with little more than folding chairs and flashlights. It was challenging, yet never enough to stop the team. Those early years tested our creativity, patience, and resilience. Everyone gave their best, even when the circumstances were far from ideal.
Then, in 2024, what was once a dream became a reality, it marked a new chapter in the outreach journey. With funding from Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), Faculty of Dentistry USIM launched its very own Mobile Dental Clinic. It is fully-equipped, air-conditioned vehicle with two dental chairs, integrated suction units, and sterilization capabilities.
Now, procedures aren’t limited to extractions or temporary fillings. Patients can receive scaling, permanent restorations, and even more complex treatments right on-site. If a case becomes tricky on a portable chair, the patient will be brought to mobile dental clinic. The specialist among the volunteers will be called upon to van takes over the case immediately. There’s no need for referrals or delays. Everything is handled with care and efficiency.
Even when procedures on the portable chairs such as extraction prove difficult, the presence of specialists among our volunteers allows patients to be swiftly transferred to the mobile clinic for advanced care without needing to refer the patient elsewhere.
Normally, within a two-hour operating window from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., the outreach team treats an average of 25 to 30 patients per session. Each night, this includes around 15 tooth extractions, 5 to 6 dental restorations, and 6 to 10 scaling procedures were delivered efficiently by the volunteers.
Community Trust and Growing Impact
When the mobile clinic first rolled into Chow Kit, it sparked genuine curiosity and a sense of awe. The patients stepped in cautiously, marvelling at how modern everything looked. One man laughed and said,
“Macam dalam klinik betul, tapi atas jalan.”
It was a moment of validation for all of us, a powerful reminder that quality dental care doesn’t need four walls to make an impact. The individuals who can’t afford expensive dental procedures, who have no time to queue in clinics, or who simply struggle to access care due to life’s many obstacles. Here, care comes to them. Interestingly, our patient does not limit to only the homeless. Street vendors, nearby workers, and passers-by began asking if they too could receive treatment. Over time, they joined the queue. They know that every third Thursday of the month, the blue clinic will be parked right there. Like clockwork, they come for the care, with the feeling of being welcomed, seen, and valued.
Caring Beyond the Clinic
Alongside dental treatment, the USIM team also makes it a priority to distribute oral care kits during every visit. These kits typically include toothpaste and toothbrushes. This consistent distribution helps reinforce the importance of prevention. By ensuring patients leave with the essentials in hand, we’re helping to sustain healthier routines and reduce the risk of recurring dental problems and subsequently improving the patient’s quality of life.
Occasionally, hygiene packs are also given out, containing essentials like combs, sanitary pads, and small treats such as biscuits. These small tokens have the power to brighten a person’s day. A packet of crackers may seem ordinary, but in the hands of someone who hasn’t eaten since morning, it becomes a source of gratitude and joy.
Grounded in Faith and Compassion
The work carried out in Chow Kit isn’t framed by charity alone. But also grounded in Islamic principles. This spirit of rahmah (mercy) drives every interaction. Patients are treated without judgment, regardless of background or appearance. Each person is received with the same level of respect as one would expect in dental clinic. Some of the most touching moments come in the form of a simple yet heartfelt ‘terima kasih’ from patients as they leave the clinic. In those sincere exchanges, we are reminded of the deeper meaning behind our work. One hadith resonates deeply with the spirit of this mission:
Lessons That Go Beyond Clinical Lesson
For USIM’s dental students, Chow Kit offers a different kind of education. One that goes beyond textbooks and simulations. Here, they learn to treat people, not just cases. They learn how to listen, adapt, empathize, and communicate across cultural and emotional barriers.
Most of the students who begin volunteering in their fourth year remain dedicated throughout their studies, returning every month without fail. These are not one-time participants. They are consistently present, trained, and deeply committed. As senior students graduate, they pass the baton to new volunteers, who are carefully guided through every step, from setting up equipment and managing registration to delivering oral health education and assisting with procedures. Though new volunteers often start out unsure, the mentorship from experienced peers and supervisors helps them grow in both confidence and competence. This cycle of commitment and hands-on learning not only strengthens the program but also instills a sense of responsibility and service in each student.
Watching them evolve into capable, compassionate providers is deeply rewarding. Beyond gaining technical competence, they emerge more grounded, more grateful, and more attuned to the real meaning of being a healthcare professional. By being exposed to this environment early in their training, we hope they will carry forward a sense of purpose. To become not only skilled clinicians, but genuine, compassionate healthcare providers who are ready to care for all segments of the community once they enter the working world.
A Model of Academic Impact
This initiative is also a powerful example of how academic institutions can engage in meaningful public service. Through this program, USIM is not only educating future dental professionals. It is also actively working to improve public health, reduce disparities, and strengthen community bonds. More than Corporate Social Responsibility, this is responsible education. It aligns with the Islamic teaching:
The Chow Kit project is a reminder that public service doesn’t have to wait until graduation. Students can, and should, be part of the solution.
Looking Ahead, Future Project
Today, the Mobile Dental Clinic of Faculty of Dentistry USIM continues its monthly visits, supported by a growing network of volunteers from DFTN, including dental professionals, specialists, and students from other institutions. The service model is scalable, practical, and deeply impactful and it offers a blueprint for other institutions seeking to bridge the gap between education and service.
Currently we are expanding the services further, incorporating denture treatment for fully edentulous and partially edentulous patients. We brought the clinic and mobile lab to them, with collaborations with more NGOs. However, no matter how wide the reach grows, the mission remains rooted in sincerity and compassion. With the tagline, “DARI USIM UNTUK SEMUA”, the mobile Dental Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, USIM will continue to serve the community.
Credit: All photos featured in this article are credited to our dedicated photographer, Mr. Muhammad Raziq bin Aminudin, whose lens beautifully captures the heart of our outreach journey.
Main Author: Dr. Laila Azwa binti Hassan
Dr. Laila Azwa Hassan is a lecturer and Specialist in Restorative Dentistry and a core member of USIM’s mobile dental outreach team. Since 2023, she started being actively joined every monthly service in Chow Kit alongside Dr. Nor Azura, contributing both her clinical expertise and behind-the-scenes support. From delivering care to managing and procuring essential materials, she plays one of the vital role in sustaining the program’s impact.
Co-Author: Dr. Nor Azura binti Ahmad Tarmidzi
Dr. Nor Azura is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery lecturer and a passionate advocate for community dentistry in Chow Kit. As the lead clinician in USIM’s mobile dental outreach team since 2017, she brings her expertise and heart to the streets of Chow Kit every month. Known for her calm leadership and hands on dedication, Dr. Azura continues to inspire students and colleagues alike through service rooted in compassion, excellence, and faith.
Co-Author: Dr. Siti Nur Farhanah binti Mohd Desa
Dr. Siti Nur Farhanah is a lecturer and Dental Public Health Specialist at USIM. A core member of the Chow Kit outreach team alongside Dr. Laila and Dr. Azura, she has been actively involved since 2023. Her expertise in preventive care and passion for health education have been vital in shaping a service that goes beyond treatment. Fostering awareness, dignity, and long-term impact in the community.
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