GDCH, Mumbai: Screen, Treat, Prevent-Oral Health Screening & Treatment Camp

GDCH, MUMBAI: SCREEN, TREAT, PREVENT – ORAL HEALTH SCREENING & TREATMENT CAMP

Rationale:

Oral health is a fundamental component of overall well-being; however, access to timely and comprehensive dental care remains limited in many underserved communities. Integrating screening, treatment, and preventive education is essential to effectively reduce the burden of oral diseases. The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai, conducted a community outreach camp at Padma Nagar Road, Govandi East, in collaboration with Vision Rescue.

Objectives

• To provide comprehensive oral health screening to identify dental conditions 
• To deliver immediate basic dental treatment at the community level 
• To promote preventive oral health practices 
• To improve awareness regarding oral hygiene and diet 
• To facilitate referral and continuity of care for advanced treatment needs 

Target Population

The camp catered to a diverse and underserved 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: 20

Core Interventions

1. Oral Health Screening

Comprehensive oral examinations were conducted to identify:

• Dental caries  
• Periodontal diseases 
• Oral lesions and infections 

Patients were systematically assessed and categorized based on their treatment needs and urgency of care.

2. On-Site Dental Treatment

Basic dental treatments were provided to patients at the outreach site, including:

• Oral prophylaxis (scaling) 
• Temporary and basic restorative care 
• Management of minor dental complaints 

Patients requiring advanced or specialized care were provided with referrals to Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai, ensuring continuity of care.

3. Preventive Oral Health Education

Participants were educated on:

• Proper tooth brushing techniques 
• Importance of maintaining oral hygiene 
• Dietary counselling for prevention of dental diseases 
• Need for regular dental check-ups 

The education component emphasized behaviour change and long-term preventive practices.

Conclusion

The “Screen, Treat, Prevent” Oral Health Camp conducted at Padma Nagar Road, Govandi East, successfully demonstrated the impact of accessible, community-based comprehensive dental care. By integrating screening, immediate treatment, and preventive education, the initiative contributed significantly to improving oral health awareness, access, and outcomes within the community. The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai, remains committed to advancing community oral health through sustained outreach efforts, guided by the vision: “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life - Reaching Every Smile through Care, Prevention, and Compassion.”