GDCH, Mumbai: Reaching Every Child – Oral Health Screening, Education & Self-Care Initiative

GDCH, Mumbai: Reaching Every Child – Oral Health Screening, Education & Self-Care Initiative

Date: 18 April 2026
Venue: Swami Vittaldas Road, Dharavi, Mumbai
Target Population: Children from Urban Slum Communities

Rationale

Children living in densely populated urban slum areas such as Dharavi are at an increased risk of oral diseases due to limited access to preventive care, poor awareness, and socio-environmental challenges. Early intervention through education, screening, and behaviour reinforcement is essential to improve long-term oral health outcomes. The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, conducted an Oral Health Screening, Education, and Prevention Camp on 18 April 2026 at Swami Vittaldas Road, Dharavi.

Objectives

• To provide accessible oral health screening for underserved children 
• To promote preventive oral hygiene practices through demonstration and education 
• To encourage behavioural change through interactive learning methods 
• To instill self-care responsibility through pledge-based activities 
• To support early detection and timely referral of dental conditions 

Target Population

• Children residing in urban slum areas of Dharavi 
• Underserved paediatric population with limited access to dental care 

Core Activities Conducted

1. Oral Health Education Sessions

• Interactive and age-appropriate sessions conducted 
• Key focus areas included: 
  • Importance of maintaining oral hygiene 
  • Prevention of dental diseases 
  • Healthy dietary habits 

2. Mass and Individual Toothbrushing Demonstration

• Demonstration of correct brushing techniques using models 
• Conducted at both group and individual levels 
• Hands-on participation encouraged for better learning 
• Reinforced correct method, frequency, and duration 

3. Oral Health Screening

• Comprehensive oral examinations carried out 
• Assessment included: 
  • Dental caries 
  • Oral hygiene status 
  • Gum health 
• Identification and referral of children requiring further care 

4. Oral Self-Care Pledge

• Children participated in a self-care pledge activity 
• Committed to:  
  • Brushing twice daily 
  • Maintaining oral hygiene 
  • Adopting healthy habits 
• Strengthened behavioural commitment and responsibility 

Conclusion

The Oral Health Screening, Education, and Prevention Camp at Dharavi successfully delivered accessible, engaging, and preventive oral healthcare services to children in underserved settings.