GDCH, Mumbai: Extending Oral Health Care to Every Community- Oral Health Screening and Education Camp

GDCH, MUMBAI: EXTENDING ORAL HEALTH CARE TO EVERY COMMUNITY- ORAL HEALTH SCREENING AND EDUCATION CAMP

Rationale:

Oral health is a vital component of overall health, yet underserved urban populations often face barriers in accessing preventive and curative dental care. Sustained community outreach programmes are essential to bridge this gap and promote equitable healthcare delivery. As part of the continuing outreach initiatives in connection with World Oral Health Day 2026 theme, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life”, the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai, conducted an Oral Health Screening and Education Camp on 24 March 2026 at Vision Rescue Community Centre, Maharashtra Nagar, Mankhurd. The initiative focused on strengthening oral health awareness and delivering essential screening services to underserved populations.

Objectives

• To enhance oral health awareness among underserved communities 
• To promote preventive oral hygiene practices 
• To provide basic oral health screening services 
• To facilitate early detection of oral diseases 
• To raise awareness regarding the harmful effects of tobacco use 

Target Population

The outreach programme catered to a diverse underserved urban population, including:

• Children and adolescents 
• General adult population 
• Individuals with tobacco use habits 

Special emphasis was placed on high-risk individuals vulnerable to oral potentially malignant disorders.

Total no of Beneficiaries: 58 

Activities Conducted

1. Oral Health Screening

Comprehensive oral examinations were conducted to identify:

• Dental caries  
• Periodontal diseases 
• Oral mucosal lesions 
• Early signs of oral precancerous conditions 

Participants requiring further care were provided with appropriate counselling and referrals to Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai.

2. Tobacco Risk Assessment and Counselling

• Focused screening of tobacco users for early mucosal changes 
• Identification of potential precancerous lesions 
• Individual counselling on the harmful effects of tobacco use 
• Guidance on tobacco cessation and behaviour modification 

This component emphasized risk reduction and early intervention.

3. Oral Health Education and Awareness

Educational sessions were conducted focusing on:

• Importance of maintaining oral hygiene 
• Correct tooth brushing techniques 
• Role of diet in oral health 
• Prevention of common oral diseases 

Participants were encouraged to adopt simple and sustainable oral hygiene practices.

Conclusion

The Oral Health Screening and Education Camp at Maharashtra Nagar, Mankhurd, successfully reinforced the importance of preventive oral healthcare and early detection. Through sustained outreach efforts, the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai, continues to extend essential oral healthcare services to underserved communities, in alignment with the vision of the FDI World Dental Federation:

“A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life—Extending Oral Health Care to Every Community.”