GDCH, Mumbai: Healthy Smiles for All – Community Oral Health Screening and Education Camp

Date: 08/01/2026
Venue: Budh Nagar, Bhandup, Mumbai
 

Activity Title

GDCH, Mumbai: Healthy Smiles for All – 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 Budh Nagar, Bhandup, as part of the global World Oral Health Day 2026 campaign themed “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life.” The program targeted children and residents of the Budh Nagar community, providing preventive oral health education and free dental screening services. A total of 133 individuals were screened and educated during the camp.

Target Population:
Residents of Budh Nagar Slums including children adults and elderly individuals

Number of Beneficiaries:
133 individuals were screened and educated

Activities Conducted:

1. Community Oral Health Awareness Session
2. Preventive Oral Health Screening

Rationale

Oral diseases such as dental caries and gum problems remain common in underserved communities due to limited access to dental care and lack of awareness about preventive practices. Community-based education and screening programs play a crucial role in improving oral health awareness and facilitating early detection of dental problems. The camp aimed to encourage better oral hygiene habits and improve access to preventive dental care among community members.

Objectives

The program aimed to increase awareness about preventive oral healthcare, promote correct tooth-brushing practices and healthy dietary habits, identify early signs of oral diseases through screening, and guide individuals requiring treatment toward appropriate dental care services.

Activities Conducted

1. Community Oral Health Awareness Session

An interactive educational session was conducted for residents and children to improve awareness about maintaining good oral health. The discussion focused on:

• Importance of daily oral hygiene practices
• Demonstration of correct tooth-brushing technique using practical models
• Impact of diet and sugar consumption on dental health
• Importance of routine dental check-ups for early detection of problems

Participants actively engaged in the session and were encouraged to adopt simple preventive practices to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

2. Preventive Oral Health Screening

A systematic oral examination of 133 individuals was performed by the dental team to assess their oral health status and detect early signs of dental problems, including:

• Dental caries
• Gingival inflammation and periodontal conditions
• Malocclusion and irregular tooth alignment
• Other oral abnormalities requiring attention

Individuals identified with dental concerns were guided and referred to Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai for further evaluation and treatment.

Impact

The outreach initiative benefited 133 community members, improving awareness regarding preventive oral healthcare and encouraging positive oral hygiene behaviours. The program also enabled early identification of dental problems and guided individuals toward timely dental treatment.

Conclusion

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