GDCH, Mumbai: Screen, Educate, Demonstrate – Shaping Lifelong Oral Health Habits

GDCH, Mumbai: Screen, Educate, Demonstrate – Shaping Lifelong Oral Health Habits

The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, successfully organized a two-day Oral Health Screening, Education, and Tooth-Brushing Demonstration Camp on 26th and 27th February 2026 at Gundawali Public School, Andheri East, Mumbai. This large-scale mission is a cornerstone of our World Oral Health Day 2026 campaign: “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life.” The program aimed to promote oral health awareness and preventive dental care among school children. 

Target Population

The entire student body of Gundawali Public School, spanning primary and secondary grades.

Number of Beneficiaries

540 students received comprehensive dental screenings and hands-on hygiene training.

Rationale

To transform the oral health of a city, we must reach its children at scale. A two-day "Mega-Camp" allows for more than just a passing glance; it creates a school-wide culture of wellness. By immersing 540 students in a curriculum of prevention, we ensure that healthy habits are not just taught, but demonstrated and reinforced.

In the busy urban hub of Andheri East, providing this level of professional access directly within the school gates removes the barriers of cost and travel, ensuring every child starts their day with a healthy smile.

Objectives

• Mass Screening: Conduct a thorough oral health audit to identify the community's prevalence of dental caries and gingival disease.
• Live Demonstration: Use high-fidelity dental models to turn abstract hygiene concepts into physical skills.
• Visual Literacy: Utilize flip charts and interactive media to explain the "why" behind oral health, from diet to systemic wellness.

Activities Conducted

The camp was organized as a high-efficiency "Wellness Circuit" to ensure every student received personalized attention:

1. Interactive Oral Health Education

• The team led small-group demonstrations using oversized models, teaching the circular brushing technique. Every student was given the opportunity to practice the motion, ensuring they mastered the dexterity needed for effective cleaning.
• Flip-Chart Storytelling: The visual aids were used to illustrate the journey of a tooth, from health to decay, and how "Smart Habits" can reverse early damage.

2. Comprehensive Clinical Screening

A team of specialists conducted systematic intra-oral examinations for all 540 students to assess:

• Dental Decay: Identifying active caries in both primary and permanent teeth.
• Gingival Health: Checking for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or plaque-induced gingivitis.
• Orthodontic Needs: Monitoring for malocclusion or crowding that may require specialized intervention.

The Gundawali Public School mission has set a new standard for school-based health initiatives in Mumbai.

• By reaching 540 students in 48 hours, we have significantly boosted the oral health literacy of an entire neighborhood.
• The two-day format allowed for repeated exposure to hygiene concepts, increasing the likelihood of long-term habit retention.

Conclusion

The “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life” initiative at Gundawali Public School proves that when we Screen, Educate, and Demonstrate at scale, we shape the future of public health. The Department of Public Health Dentistry remains committed to ensuring that every student in Mumbai has the knowledge and care required for a lifelong healthy smile.