Istanbul, July 10, 2025 – In collaboration with the Kağıthane Social Services Center Directorate, Istinye University Faculty of Dentistry’s Oral and Dental Health Application and Research Center (Istinye Dental Hospital) organized a comprehensive awareness event themed “Foster Family Day.” The event aimed to raise awareness about oral and dental health among children and families within the foster care system, promote preventive health services, and highlight the importance of this vital social issue.
“Foster Family System” on the Public Agenda
The event was attended by Istanbul Provincial Deputy Director of Family and Social Services Rabia Güngör, Istinye University Rector Prof. Dr. Erkan İbiş, and Kağıthane Mayor Mevlüt Öztekin. In the opening speeches, the significance of improving the foster family system was emphasized, while Istinye University’s contributions to social responsibility projects in this field were also highlighted.
Educational Presentations and Inspiring Experiences
Sociologist Merve Uluğ Ayçiçek, in her presentation titled “Being a Foster Family,” provided an in-depth overview of the system’s importance and the social impact of foster families. Sharing her personal journey, foster parent Fatma Özdemir İçin inspired the audience with her experience. Prof. Dr. Tuğba Toz Akalın, Chief Physician of Istinye Dental Hospital, underlined the long-term health benefits of instilling oral health awareness at an early age in her presentation titled “Preventive Dentistry.”
Dental Health Activities for Children
Throughout the event, children participated in game-based educational sessions, creative workshops, and individual dental check-ups. Personalized preventive care plans were prepared for each child, along with recommendations to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Didem Elitez, Head of the Child Development Department at Istinye University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, coordinated the event by designing a program tailored to the needs of the children.
An Integrated Approach to Health, Education, and Social Services
Hosted by Istinye University, this meaningful event provided a multidimensional perspective on the foster family system. The strong collaboration among the fields of health, education, and social services once again demonstrated the importance of a holistic approach to meeting the needs of foster families and children.
