GDCH, Mumbai: Healthy Teeth, Happy Children, Thriving Community – Mankhurd Slum Oral Health Outreach

GDCH, Mumbai: Healthy Teeth, Happy Children, Thriving Community – Mankhurd Slum Oral Health Outreach

Rationale:

Children living in underserved urban communities often face significant challenges in accessing oral healthcare services, resulting in a higher prevalence of untreated dental conditions. Early intervention through community-based outreach programmes is essential to promote preventive care and establish healthy habits. The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai, conducted an Oral Health Education and Screening Camp at Ekta Nagar, Mankhurd, aimed to address oral health needs among children while promoting awareness and preventive practices within the community.

Objectives

• To promote oral health awareness among children and adolescents 
• To provide basic oral health screening services 
• To facilitate early detection of dental problems 
• To encourage preventive oral hygiene practices 
• To strengthen community engagement in child oral health 

Target Population

The programme focused on:

• Children and adolescents residing in the Ekta Nagar slum community 

Number of Beneficiaries

A total of 116 children were screened and educated on preventive oral healthcare practices.

Activities Conducted

1. Oral Health Screening

Comprehensive oral examinations were conducted to assess:

• Dental caries  
• Oral hygiene status 
• Gingival health 
• Early signs of dental issues 

Children identified with dental concerns were provided with appropriate guidance and referrals to Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai.

2. Oral Health Education and Awareness

Interactive 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 

Child-friendly methods, including demonstrations and visual aids, were used to ensure better understanding and engagement.

3. Behavioural Reinforcement

• Encouragement of daily oral hygiene practices 
• Promotion of regular tooth brushing habits 
• Motivation to adopt preventive behaviours from an early age 

This component emphasized habit formation and long-term behavioural change.

Key Outcomes

• Early identification of dental problems among children 
• Increased awareness regarding oral hygiene practices 
• Improved understanding of preventive care among participants 
• Encouraged adoption of healthy oral habits at a young age 

Conclusion

The “Healthy Teeth, Happy Children, Thriving Community” outreach at Ekta Nagar, Mankhurd, successfully demonstrated the impact of community-based preventive oral health initiatives. By combining screening, education, and behavioural reinforcement, the programme contributed to improving oral health awareness and promoting sustainable habits among children.