GDCH, Mumbai: Healthy Smiles, Healthier Communities – Oral Health Education & Prevention Camp

GDCH, Mumbai: Healthy Smiles, Healthier Communities – Oral Health Education & Prevention Camp

Date: 16 April 2026
Venue: Maharashtra H Nagar, Mumbai

Background and Rationale

Urban slum populations often face significant challenges in maintaining oral health due to limited access to care, lack of awareness, and high exposure to risk factors such as tobacco use. Preventive education and community-based interventions are essential to address these disparities and promote sustainable health behaviours. The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, conducted an Oral Health Education and Prevention Camp on 16 April 2026 at Maharashtra H Nagar, targeting underserved sections of the community. Aligned with the global theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life”, the initiative focused on awareness, prevention, and behavioural change.

Objectives

• To enhance oral health awareness among underserved populations 
• To promote preventive oral hygiene practices 
• To demonstrate correct toothbrushing techniques 
• To provide tobacco cessation counselling 
• To encourage healthy lifestyle and self-care behaviours 

Target Population

• Residents of urban slum communities 
• Adults, children, and elderly individuals 
• Underserved and high-risk population groups 

Core Activities Conducted

1. Oral Health Education Sessions

• Interactive awareness sessions conducted for community members 
• Focus on: 
  • Importance of oral hygiene 
  • Prevention of dental diseases 
  • Role of diet in maintaining oral health 

2. Mass and Individual Toothbrushing Demonstration

• Demonstration of correct brushing techniques at both group and individual levels 
• Emphasis on proper method, duration, and frequency 
• Reinforced practical learning through participation 

3. Tobacco Cessation Counselling

• Awareness on harmful effects of tobacco use 
• Identification of high-risk individuals 
• Personalized counselling to encourage cessation and behavioral change 

Conclusion

The Oral Health Education and Prevention Camp at Maharashtra H Nagar successfully emphasized the importance of preventive oral healthcare and community engagement.

Through focused education, skill-based demonstrations, and behavioural counselling, the initiative reinforces the vision of , “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life—Empowering Communities Through Prevention and Awareness.”