World Oral Health Day, celebrated annually on March 20, aims to raise global awareness of oral health and its critical role in overall well-being. The 2025 celebration was observed under the WHO theme, "A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind," highlighting the psychological, cognitive, and emotional benefits of good oral hygiene. Embracing this theme, the Department of Public Health Dentistry at Government Dental College & Hospital, Nagpur, led a month-long series of diverse and impactful initiatives designed to reach every stratum of society—from schoolchildren and pregnant women to shelter home residents, prisoners, and tribal populations.
This year’s campaign was built on four key pillars: community engagement, clinical outreach, capacity building, and digital innovation. A wide range of activities—including health talks, rallies, interactive street plays, school-based education, VR-led modules, podcasts, and preventive treatment camps—were meticulously planned and executed to integrate oral health education into everyday life. Strategic partnerships with NGOs, school administrations, health departments, and local leaders ensured deeper community involvement and wider geographical reach.
In a unique blend of modern technology and grassroots mobilization, tools such as virtual reality headsets, QR code registrations, social media campaigns, and a dedicated podcast series were employed to make oral health promotion more engaging, inclusive, and far-reaching. Additionally, student-driven competitions and leadership-based pledges encouraged long-term behavioral change.
With an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and evidence-based interventions, the department’s World Oral Health Day 2025 campaign not only delivered immediate impact but also laid the foundation for a healthier, more mindful society where oral health is recognized as a cornerstone of mental and general health. of outreach, clinical, and educational activities aimed at fostering oral health awareness across diverse population groups. The campaign strategically targeted schools, shelter homes, slum communities, rural populations, and vulnerable groups while also involving healthcare professionals, caregivers, and community leaders. Leveraging technology, creativity, and a strong public health framework, the department set a new benchmark for community-based oral health promotion.
The Department of Public Health Dentistry at the Government Dental College and Hospital Nagpur organized a series of events aimed at raising awareness about oral health among the community. These events, spanning various mediums, were inaugurated on 20th March by the esteemed Dean of the institution, and continued till 20th April.
Various events were
1. Activities Targeting Oral Health Promotion
2. Activities to Promote Early Diagnosis and Treatment
3. Capacity Building Activities
4. Activities to improve access and utilization of oral health care services.
Key Achievements
- Total Individuals Reached (Awareness): 11090
- Total Screened/Treated (Clinical Services): 6,330
- Number of Thematic Campaigns Conducted: 12
- Total Outreach Events Held: 25+ events in urban, rural, and tribal areas
- New Technologies Introduced: Virtual Reality education modules, QR code-based event registration, oral health podcast series
- Community Leader Engagement: 40+ leaders pledged through "Leaders for Smiles"
- Special Population Coverage: Targeted outreach for shelter homes, mentally challenged individuals, prisoners, and tribal children
- Student Innovation Launches: Educational comic book, oral health game, VR-based brushing module
- Mass Participation Campaigns: Online walkathon, street plays, school competitions, and rallies
- Media Recognition: Reel liked by FDI Toothsi; featured on All India Radio and in local newspapers
- Sustainability Focus: Training of healthcare providers and teachers for continued advocacy beyond campaign duration.
- Techsmile: Use of Technology for Oral Health Promotion
- Urban Glean: Elevating Oral Health in Urban Slums
- Shelter Smiles: Promoting Oral Health in Children Living in Shelter Homes
- Oral Care Shield: School-Based Preventive Programs
- Special Grins: Oral Health Outreach for Mentally Challenged Individuals
- Grin And Thrive: Nurturing Oral Health in Rural Communities
- Family Smiles: Promoting Oral Health from Pregnancy to Parenthood
- Smile Tribe: Tribal Children Outreach
- Oral Health a Human Right: For Prisoners
- Clean Smiles: Reaching The Children of Sanitation Workers
- Oral Health 360: Empowering Health Care Workers for Comprehensive Oral Health Promotion
- Leaders For Smile: Community Leader Interactions:
21.1302856, 79.0990707
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