The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai organized a two-day Oral Health Awareness and Screening Camp on 05 and 06 January 2026 at Janata Vidya, Dhasai, Murbad as part of the global **World Oral Health Day 2026 campaign themed “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life.”
Target Population:
College students and Young adults
Number of Beneficiaries:
391 individuals through preventive oral health education and clinical screening
Activities Conducted:
- Oral Health Awareness Session
- Oral Health Screening
Rationale
Adolescents and young adults are increasingly exposed to lifestyle habits that may negatively influence oral health, including high sugar consumption, irregular oral hygiene practices, and tobacco use. These factors contribute to the rising occurrence of dental caries, periodontal diseases, and other preventable oral conditions.
Recognizing the importance of early awareness and behaviour change, the Department of Public Health Dentistry conducted this initiative with the aim to empower young individuals with knowledge and encourage responsible oral health practices that support lifelong well-being.
Objectives
The program aimed to enhance awareness about preventive oral healthcare among college students, encourage adoption of effective oral hygiene practices and balanced dietary habits, identify early signs of oral diseases through screening, and facilitate appropriate referral for individuals requiring dental treatment.
Activities Conducted
The outreach program incorporated both educational and clinical components to ensure comprehensive community engagement.
1. Oral Health Awareness Session
An interactive educational session was conducted to highlight:
• Importance of maintaining good oral hygiene
• Demonstration of proper tooth-brushing techniques
• Relationship between dietary habits and oral health
• Prevention of dental caries and gum diseases
• Importance of periodic dental examinations
The session encouraged active participation and helped students understand the connection between oral health and overall health.
2. Oral Health Screening
A systematic oral examination of 391 individuals was carried out by the dental team to identify common oral health conditions including:
• Dental caries
• Gingival and periodontal diseases
• Malocclusion
• Other oral health abnormalities
Individuals requiring further evaluation or treatment were referred to Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai for comprehensive care and follow-up.
Impact
The initiative created a meaningful impact by reaching 391 young individuals, significantly improving awareness regarding preventive oral healthcare and healthy lifestyle practices.
Key outcomes included:
- Increased understanding of oral hygiene practices and disease prevention
- Early detection of dental conditions requiring professional intervention
- Greater motivation among students to adopt healthier oral health behaviours
By targeting young adults at a critical stage of habit formation, the program contributed to strengthening oral health literacy and promoting sustainable preventive practices within the community.
Conclusion
The “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life” initiative successfully integrated oral health education with clinical screening, benefiting 391 students and young adults and reinforcing the importance of preventive oral healthcare. Through community outreach, early diagnosis, and professional referral support, the program helped foster a culture of proactive oral health care, supporting the broader vision of improving oral health awareness and well-being through the World Oral Health Day campaign.
Information
Dhasai, Murbad, Thane
Dhasai 421402
Maharashtra
India