GDCH, Mumbai: Healthy Smiles, Healthier Communities- Oral Health Screening, Education & Prevention Camps

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

Rationale

Urban slum communities experience a disproportionate burden of oral diseases due to limited access to healthcare, inadequate awareness, and poor oral hygiene practices. Preventive and educational interventions at the community level are essential to promote sustainable health behaviors and reduce the burden of oral diseases.

The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, has organized an Oral Health Screening, Education, and Prevention Camp on 13 April 2026 in the urban slum areas of Ekta Nagar, Mankhurd. The initiative aimed to strengthen preventive oral healthcare and empower communities through awareness and behavior change strategies.

Objectives

• To improve access to oral health screening services 
• To promote preventive oral healthcare practices 
• To enhance awareness regarding oral hygiene and healthy habits 
• To encourage self-care and behavioural change through pledge-based engagement 
• To facilitate early detection of oral diseases 

Target Population

• Children and adolescents 
• General population residing in urban slum areas 
• High-risk individuals with poor oral hygiene practices 

Core Activities Conducted

1. Oral Health Screening

• Comprehensive oral examinations conducted 
• Assessment of dental caries, periodontal conditions, and oral hygiene status 
• Identification and referral of individuals requiring further care 

2. Oral Health Education and Awareness

• Interactive sessions conducted using community-friendly methods 
• Focus on: 
  • Importance of oral hygiene 
  • Preventive care practices 
  • Role of diet in oral health 

3. Tooth Brushing Demonstration

• Live demonstration of correct brushing techniques 
• Emphasis on proper method, duration, and frequency 
• Encouraged adoption of effective daily oral hygiene practices 

4. “Tell–Show–Do” Activity

• Stepwise behavioural learning approach used, especially for children 
• Participants were: 
  • Told about oral health practices 
  • Shown correct techniques using models 
  • Encouraged to Do the activity themselves 
• Enhanced understanding through active participation 

5. Oral Health Self-Care Pledge

• Participants actively took a pledge to: 
  • Brush twice daily 
  • Maintain good oral hygiene 
  • Avoid harmful habits 
  • Seek timely dental care 
• Reinforced commitment towards long-term behavioural change 

Conclusion

The Oral Health Screening, Education, and Prevention Camp at Ekta Nagar, Mankhurd successfully highlighted the importance of community-based preventive oral healthcare and interactive education models. By empowering individuals with knowledge, skills, and commitment, the initiative, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life—Building Healthier Communities Through Awareness, Action, and Prevention.”