GDCH, Mumbai: Healthy Mouths, Healthier Lives – Promoting Oral Health for All

GDCH, MUMBAI: HEALTHY MOUTHS, HEALTHIER LIVES – PROMOTING ORAL HEALTH FOR ALL

Rationale:

Oral health remains a key determinant of overall well-being, yet significant disparities persist among underserved urban populations due to limited access to care and lack of awareness regarding preventive practices. As a continuation of the outreach activities and in alignment with the global initiative under the 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 23 March 2026 at Anganwadi Kendra, Sindh Sewa Samiti Nagar, Antop Hill. The initiative aimed to strengthen community-based oral healthcare delivery through screening, education, and preventive interventions.

Objectives

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

Target Population

The outreach program 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 susceptible to oral potentially malignant disorders.

Activities Conducted

1. Oral Health Screening

Comprehensive oral examinations were conducted to assess:

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

Participants identified with oral health issues were provided with appropriate counselling and referrals to Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai, for further evaluation and management.

2. Tobacco Risk Assessment and Counselling

• Focused screening of individuals with tobacco use habits 
• Identification of early mucosal changes and suspicious lesions 
• One-on-one counselling regarding the harmful effects of tobacco 
• Guidance on tobacco cessation and behavior modification 

This component emphasized early detection and prevention of serious oral diseases.

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 dental diseases 

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

Conclusion

The “Healthy Mouths, Healthier Lives” initiative successfully extended the impact of prior outreach efforts, reinforcing the importance of sustained community engagement in oral health promotion. By integrating screening, education, and targeted counselling, the programme contributed to improved awareness, early detection, and adoption of preventive practices among underserved populations.