GDCH, MUMBAI: REACHING THE UNREACHED WITH HEALTHY SMILES – ORAL HEALTH SCREENING AND EDUCATION CAMP

GDCH, MUMBAI: REACHING THE UNREACHED WITH HEALTHY SMILES – ORAL HEALTH SCREENING AND EDUCATION CAMP

Rationale: 

Oral health disparities remain a significant public health challenge, particularly among underserved populations residing in urban slum areas. An Oral Health Screening and Education Camp was successfully conducted by the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai on 16 March 2026 in the urban slum areas of Wadala, Mumbai. The initiative aimed to reach underserved populations and provide accessible oral healthcare services at the community level. The program emphasized preventive care, early detection, and health education, ensuring that individuals who may not routinely access dental services were reached effectively.

Objectives

• To improve access to oral healthcare services among underserved populations 
• To promote preventive oral health practices 
• To facilitate early detection of oral diseases 
• To enhance awareness regarding oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits 
• To encourage timely health-seeking behavior and regular dental check-ups 

Target Population

The outreach program catered to a diverse and vulnerable population, including:

• Residents of urban slum communities 
• Adults and elderly individuals 
• Women and caregivers 
• Children and adolescents 

Special emphasis was placed on individuals with limited access to routine dental care and preventive services.

Total no of Beneficiaries: 104

Activities Conducted

1. Oral Health Screening

Comprehensive oral examinations were conducted for all participants to assess:

• Dental caries  
• Periodontal diseases 
• Oral mucosal lesions and infections 
• Early signs of oral diseases requiring intervention 

Individuals diagnosed with oral health conditions were provided appropriate counselling and referral to Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai, for further management and treatment.

2. Oral Health Education and Awareness

Structured educational sessions were conducted focusing on:

• Importance of maintaining oral hygiene 
• Demonstration of correct tooth brushing techniques 
• Role of diet and nutrition in oral health 
• Prevention of common dental diseases 

Participants were encouraged to adopt simple, cost-effective preventive practices that can significantly improve oral health outcomes.

3. Behavior Change Communication

Special emphasis was placed on community-based health education and behaviour change strategies, including:

• Encouraging regular oral hygiene practices 
• Promoting reduction of harmful habits such as tobacco use 
• Reinforcing the importance of periodic dental check-ups 

Interactive communication methods were used to ensure better engagement and understanding among participants.

Conclusion

The “Reaching the Unreached with Healthy Smiles” initiative successfully demonstrated the impact of community-cantered preventive oral healthcare. By delivering screening, education, and awareness directly within underserved communities, the program contributed to improved understanding, early detection, and adoption of healthy oral practices. The initiative reinforces the importance of sustained outreach efforts in promoting oral health equity and improving overall quality of life. Aligned with the vision of the FDI World Dental Federation, the programme upholds the message: “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life- Ensuring Care Reaches Every Community.”