FOR North Street Primary, Old Harbour Bay Primary, and Windward Primary School students, the season of giving arrived early this year, courtesy of the Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP) Group.

As part of the 10th anniversary celebration of JEP’s Health Fair Series, students from the schools received much-needed dental care and hygiene support.

Over several days, almost 500 students and teachers from the areas of west and east Kingston and Old Harbour Bay benefited from professional dental cleanings, extractions, and the gift of dental hygiene kits. For many, it was their first experience with professional dental care, marking a meaningful step in their health and wellness journey.

The initiative highlighted the importance of oral health while ensuring that the young Jamaicans could smile confidently. The dental services were more than a one-time gesture, JEP said, as they represented a continued investment in the community’s future health.

This event was an extension of JEP’s broader Health & Wellness Fair Series, an initiative that has transformed lives over the past decade. What began as a modest effort to provide essential health services has evolved into a comprehensive outreach programme. The annual health fairs have become a lifeline for many underserved communities, from general medical exams and cancer screenings to dental services and vital social welfare support, the group said in a release.

This year alone, almost 1,000 individuals received services ranging from general health checks to assistance with critical documents like birth certificates and passports. The inclusion of dental care for these schools was a testament to the initiative’s expanding reach and commitment to holistic community well-being, JEP said.

Reflecting on the company’s decade-long commitment to community care, president and CEO of JEP Group, Dr Wayne McKenzie, stated, “Giving back to our communities has always been at the heart of who we are as an organisation. Over the past 10 years, our Health Fair Series has been a beacon of support for individuals and families across Jamaica.”

For the recently concluded dental fair series in the schools, the group decided to pivot and focus on the students.

“This year we chose to focus on students because we believe that instilling the importance of good oral hygiene from an early age sets the foundation for healthier futures. By equipping these young minds with knowledge and care, we’re not just treating today’s needs — we’re empowering the next generation to take charge of their health and well-being,” explained McKenzie.

The impact of this year’s dental outreach extended beyond the immediate care provided. Each student was left with healthier smiles and knowledge of proper dental hygiene, empowering them to maintain their oral health long-term, the release said.

It also added that JEP’s dedication to community development is evident in its actions. Over the years, the Health Fair Series has touched thousands of lives, embodying the company’s promise to “power a brighter future”. The smiles on the faces of these students reflected the brighter future being built, one small act of care at a time.

With the support of Dental Prime Services and other collaborators, JEP said it remains steadfast in its mission to uplift and empower Jamaican communities.

Students of Windward Road Primary School receive dental cleaning courtesy of the Jamaica Energy Partners Group and DS Prime Health.

DS Prime Health worker examines the teeth of a Windward Road Primary School student.