GDCH, MUMBAI: PROMOTING PREVENTIVE CARE – ORAL HEALTH SCREENING, EDUCATION & SELF-CARE INITIATIVE

GDCH, MUMBAI: PROMOTING PREVENTIVE CARE – ORAL HEALTH SCREENING, EDUCATION & SELF-CARE INITIATIVE

Date: 16/04/2026
Venue: Safed Pul, Kurla, Mumbai

Total no of Participants: 87

Rationale

Urban communities with limited access to oral healthcare services often experience a high burden of preventable dental diseases. Strengthening awareness, promoting preventive practices, and encouraging self-care behaviours are essential strategies for improving oral health outcomes. The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, has organized an Oral Health Screening, Education, and Prevention Camp on 16 April 2026 at Safed Pul, Kurla. In alignment with the global theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life”, the initiative aimed to empower individuals with knowledge and practical skills for maintaining good oral health.

Objectives

• To improve access to oral health screening services 
• To promote preventive oral healthcare practices 
• To enhance awareness regarding oral hygiene and healthy habits 
• To encourage self-care through pledge-based engagement 
• To facilitate early detection of oral diseases 

Target Population

• Residents of Safed Pul and surrounding areas 
• Children and adolescents 
• General adult population 

Core Activities Conducted

1. Oral Health Screening

• Comprehensive oral examinations conducted 
• Assessment of dental caries, periodontal conditions, and oral hygiene status 
• Identification and referral of individuals requiring further care 

2. Oral Health Education and Awareness

• Interactive sessions conducted focusing on: 
  • Importance of oral hygiene 
  • Preventive oral health practices 
  • Role of diet in maintaining oral health 

3. Tooth Brushing Demonstration

• Live demonstration of correct brushing techniques 
• Emphasis on proper method, duration, and frequency 
• Encouraged participants to adopt effective daily oral hygiene practices 

4. Oral Health Self-Care Pledge Activity

• Participants actively engaged in a pledge activity committing to: 
  • Brushing twice daily 
  • Maintaining oral hygiene 
  • Avoiding harmful habits 
  • Seeking timely dental care 

This component reinforced behavioural commitment and long-term habit formation.

Conclusion

The Oral Health Screening, Education, and Prevention Camp at Safed Pul, Kurla successfully highlighted the importance of preventive care, awareness, and self-care practices in improving oral health outcomes. The initiative reinforces: “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life - Driven by Prevention, Sustained by Self-Care.”