GDCH, MUMBAI: LITTLE SMILES TODAY, HEALTHIER FUTURES TOMORROW - RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL ORAL HEALTH SCREENING, EDUCATION & PREVENTION CAMP

GDCH, MUMBAI: LITTLE SMILES TODAY, HEALTHIER FUTURES TOMORROW - RESIDENTIAL ORAL HEALTH SCREENING, EDUCATION & PREVENTION CAMP

Date: 17/04/2026
Venue: Ashray, near Bandra Post Office, Bandra West, Mumbai
Total no of Participants: 40

Rationale

Children residing in institutional settings such as residential schools and orphanages often have limited access to structured oral healthcare and preventive education. Early intervention through targeted awareness and preventive practices is crucial to ensure healthy oral development and long-term well-being. The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, conducted an Oral Health Screening, Education, and Prevention Camp on 17 April 2026 at Ashray, Bandra West.

Objectives

• To promote oral health awareness among children 
• To encourage adoption of correct oral hygiene practices 
• To provide oral health screening for early detection of dental problems 
• To instill self-care habits through interactive learning and pledge activities 
• To create a supportive environment for preventive oral healthcare 

Target Population

• Children residing in the residential school/orphanage 
• Caregivers and support staff (indirect beneficiaries) 

Core Activities Conducted

1. Oral Health Education Sessions

• Child-friendly interactive sessions conducted 
• Focus on: 
  • Importance of oral hygiene 
  • Healthy dietary habits 
  • Prevention of common dental problems 

2. Mass and Individual Toothbrushing Demonstration

• Demonstration of correct brushing techniques using models 
• Both group and one-on-one guidance provided 
• Emphasis on proper method, duration, and frequency 
• Encouraged hands-on participation 

3. Oral Health Screening

• Comprehensive oral examinations conducted for children 
• Assessment of dental caries, oral hygiene status, and gum health 
• Identification and referral of children requiring further treatment 

4. Oral Self-Care Pledge

• Children actively participated in a self-care pledge 
• Commitment included: 
  • Brushing twice daily 
  • Maintaining oral hygiene 
  • Adopting healthy eating habits 
• Reinforced behavioural learning and responsibility 

Conclusion

The Oral Health Screening, Education, and Prevention Camp at Ashray, Bandra West, successfully created a child-centric, engaging, and preventive oral health environment. Through awareness, skill-building, and behavioural reinforcement, the initiative aligns with the vision of the FDI World Dental Federation: “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life—Nurturing Healthy Smiles from an Early Age.”