GDCH, Mumbai: Early Care for Lifelong Smiles – Community Oral Health Screening and Education Camp

Date: 08/01/2026
Venue: Vision Rescue Community Center, Shanti Nagar Police Chowki, Kalwa East
Total Patients Screened: 126

Activity Title

GDCH, Mumbai: Early Care for Lifelong Smiles – Community Oral Health Screening and Education Camp

The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai organized an Oral Health Education and Screening Camp on 08 January 2026 at Vision Rescue Community Center, Kalwa East, as part of the World Oral Health Day 2026 campaign themed “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life.” The program primarily focused on children from the local community, aiming to improve awareness regarding preventive oral healthcare and encourage healthy oral hygiene practices from an early age. 

A total of 126 children were screened and educated during the camp.

Target Population:
Children from the local community

Number of Beneficiaries:
126 children were screened and educated

Activities Conducted:

1. Interactive Oral Health Education 
2. Oral Health Screening

Rationale

Oral diseases such as dental caries and gum problems are common among children due to poor oral hygiene practices and frequent consumption of sugary foods. To promote preventive oral healthcare and encourage healthy habits from an early age, the Department of Public Health Dentistry organized this outreach activity. 

Objectives

The objectives of the program were to promote awareness regarding preventive oral healthcare among children, encourage proper tooth-brushing practices and healthy dietary habits, identify early signs of oral diseases through screening, and guide children requiring treatment towards appropriate dental care services.

Activities Conducted

1. Interactive Oral Health Education

An engaging oral health awareness session was conducted for children using simple explanations and demonstrations. The session covered:

• Importance of maintaining good oral hygiene
• Demonstration of correct tooth-brushing technique
• Role of healthy diet in maintaining strong teeth
• Prevention of dental caries and gum diseases

Children actively participated in the session and showed keen interest in learning about proper oral hygiene practices.

2. Oral Health Screening

A comprehensive oral examination of 126 children was carried out by the dental team to identify:

• Dental caries
• Gingival inflammation
• Malocclusion
• Other oral health concerns

Children requiring further evaluation or treatment were referred to Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai for appropriate dental care.

Impact

The initiative benefited 126 children, improving their understanding of oral hygiene practices and the importance of preventive dental care. The program also enabled early identification of dental problems and encouraged children to adopt healthier oral hygiene habits. By targeting children at a young age, the activity contributed to building long-term awareness and positive oral health behaviours within the community.

Conclusion

The “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life” initiative successfully combined oral health education with screening services to promote preventive oral healthcare among children. Through community outreach, early detection, and referral support, the program contributed to strengthening oral health awareness in alignment with the vision of the World Oral Health Day campaign.