GDCH, Mumbai: Strong Teeth Begin with Smart Habits- Oral Health Education and Screening Camp

GDCH, Mumbai: Strong Teeth Begin with Smart Habits- Oral Health Education and Screening Camp

On 13 February 2026, the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, successfully conducted an Oral Health Education and Screening Camp for the students of Mohd. Umer Rajjab Road School, Mandanpura.

The camp aimed to promote oral health awareness and preventive dental care among school children. 

Target Population

School students and young learners of Mohd. Umer Rajjab Road School.

Number of Beneficiaries

107 students received professional dental screenings and interactive health workshops.

Rationale

A "Strong Smile" is built on the foundation of "Smart Habits." In bustling urban clusters like Mandanpura, children are often surrounded by high-sugar dietary options and may lack regular access to specialized dental care. By bringing the team directly into the school environment, we transformed the classroom into a center for preventive wellness. The objective was to move beyond simple check-ups, empowering these 107 students with the practical skills and nutritional knowledge needed to protect their oral health for a lifetime.

Objectives

• Identify early-stage dental caries and periodontal issues through systematic screening.
• Demonstrate the correct mechanics of brushing to ensure students can maintain hygiene independently.
• Counsel students on the link between a balanced diet and long-term tooth strength.
• Provide a clear pathway for follow-up care at a tertiary facility for those with urgent clinical needs.

Activities Conducted

The camp was designed to be informative, interactive, and highly visual:

1. Interactive Oral Health Education

• Mastering the Brush: The team used oversized models to demonstrate the circular brushing technique. Students were encouraged to participate, ensuring they mastered the pressure and angles needed to clean effectively.
• Nutritional Guidance: An interactive discussion on "Tooth-Friendly" vs. "Tooth-Damaging" foods, teaching students how to identify hidden sugars in snacks and beverages.

2. Comprehensive Clinical Screening

A systematic intra-oral examination was conducted for all 107 students to assess:

• Caries Detection: Identifying decay in both primary and permanent teeth to prevent future pain or infection.
• Gingival Health: Checking for early signs of gum inflammation and plaque buildup.
• Oral Hygiene Status: Evaluating the effectiveness of home-care and providing personalized tips for improvement.

Each student’s findings were documented, and those requiring restorative or specialized care were issued referral slips to the Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai.

Impact

The Mandanpura outreach has successfully equipped a new generation of students with the tools for a healthier future.

Key Outcomes:

• 107 students now have a clearer understanding of why and how to maintain a "Happy Mouth."
• Identified several cases of asymptomatic decay, allowing for simple preventive treatments before they escalate into dental emergencies.
• By conducting the camp in a familiar school setting, we reduced dental anxiety and built trust between the students and the medical community.

Conclusion

The “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life” initiative at Mohd. Umer Rajjab Road School proves that when we invest in Smart Habits, we invest in a stronger future for Mumbai’s children. The Department of Public Health Dentistry remains committed to bringing world-class oral healthcare to every neighborhood in the city.