GDCH, Mumbai: Community-Based Oral Health Promotion Initiative at Khadki Village- Reaching Every Smile

GDCH, Mumbai: Community-Based Oral Health Promotion Initiative at Khadki Village- Reaching Every Smile

Date: 27/03/2026
Location: Khadki Village, Ambegaon Taluka, Pune

Introduction

In alignment with the global campaign theme “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life,” the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai, conducted a comprehensive Community-Based Oral Health Promotion Initiative on 27 March 2026 at Khadki Village, Ambegaon Taluka, Pune. The program was designed to integrate oral health promotion across multiple levels of the community, including school children, grassroots governance leaders, Anganwadi beneficiaries, and frontline health workers. This multi-tiered approach ensured sustainable awareness, behavioral change, and capacity building, reinforcing the vision of reaching every individual through impactful outreach.

Objectives

• To promote oral health awareness among children and the community 
• To encourage preventive oral hygiene practices from an early age 
• To build community leadership engagement in oral health promotion 
• To strengthen early childhood oral health interventions 
• To empower Anganwadi workers as oral health educators 

Target Population

• School children and teachers 
• Village leadership (Sarpanch, Upsarpanch, Gram Panchayat members) 
• Anganwadi children (early childhood group) 
• Anganwadi workers (frontline health workforce) 
• General rural community 

Activities Conducted

1. Oral Health Education Session for School Children

An interactive and engaging oral health education session was conducted for approximately 150 school children.

Key Components:

• Demonstration of correct brushing technique (2×2 rule) 
• Awareness on importance of oral hygiene and healthy dietary habits 
• Discussion on prevention of dental caries and gum diseases 
• Interactive Q&A session to enhance understanding 

Oral Health Pledge:
Students and teachers collectively took an Oral Health Pledge, reinforcing daily preventive practices and commitment towards maintaining oral hygiene.

Impact:

• Improved awareness and knowledge among children 
• Encouraged formation of lifelong healthy oral habits 
• Active participation enhanced retention and engagement 

2. Capacity Building of Village Leadership

A dedicated oral health awareness and orientation session was conducted for:

• Sarpanch 
• Upsarpanch 
• Gram Panchayat members 

Focus Areas:

• Importance of oral health as a component of overall health 
• Role of local governance in promoting community health initiatives 
• Strategies to integrate oral health into village-level programs 

Outcome:
Village leaders were motivated to act as “Oral Health Promoters”, enabling community-level advocacy and sustainability of the initiative.

3. Anganwadi Children Engagement – Learning Through Stories & Songs

Special sessions were conducted for young children in Anganwadis, using age-appropriate and creative teaching methods.

Methods Used:

• Storytelling on “healthy teeth and habits” 
• Rhymes and songs promoting brushing and hygiene 
• Visual and playful demonstrations 

Impact:

• Simplified oral health concepts for early learners 
• Created a positive and enjoyable learning environment 
• Encouraged early adoption of hygiene practices 

4. Training of Trainers (ToT) – Anganwadi Workers

A structured Training of Trainers (ToT) session was conducted for Anganwadi workers to build long-term community capacity.

Training Modules Covered:

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC): Identification, prevention, and management 
• Oral Health in Pregnancy: Antenatal oral care and its importance 
• Basic Oral Hygiene Practices: Brushing, diet, and preventive care 
• Referral Pathways: Identifying cases requiring dental consultation 
• Role of Anganwadi Workers as first-line oral health educators 

Outcome:

• Enhanced knowledge and skills of frontline workers 
• Strengthened community-based oral health delivery system 
• Created a sustainable model for continuous oral health education 

Overall Impact

This outreach initiative successfully demonstrated a holistic, community-centered approach to oral health promotion:

• Educated 150+ school children 
• Engaged community leadership for long-term impact 
• Reached early childhood groups through innovative methods 
• Empowered Anganwadi workers as oral health ambassadors 

The program exemplifies how multi-level engagement—from children to policymakers to frontline workers—can create a ripple effect in improving community oral health.

By aligning with the World Oral Health Day theme, the initiative reinforced that:

“A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life” is not just a message, but a community-driven movement towards better health and well-being.

Conclusion

The outreach activities at Khadki Village stand as a model for integrated rural oral health promotion, combining education, empowerment, and engagement. Such initiatives play a vital role in bridging healthcare gaps, promoting prevention, and building healthier communities from the grassroots level, truly reflecting the spirit of:

“Reaching Every Smile.”