GDCH, Mumbai: Mobile Dental Care in Action – Screening, Education and Treatment Camp at Uran Rural Hospital

GDCH, Mumbai: Mobile Dental Care in Action – Screening, Education and Treatment Camp at Uran Rural Hospital

Rationale:

Strengthening access to oral healthcare in rural and semi-urban regions requires innovative service delivery models that bridge the gap between communities and institutions. The Mobile Dental Van serves as a critical extension of care, enabling the provision of preventive, diagnostic, and basic curative services directly at the point of need. 

On 10 April 2026, the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai organised a comprehensive Oral Health Screening, Education, and Treatment Camp at Uran Rural Hospital through the Mobile Dental Unit. The initiative brought integrated oral healthcare services to patients attending the rural healthcare facility, ensuring accessibility, affordability, and continuity of care.

Strategic Approach

This outreach activity adopted a three-pronged model of care delivery:

• Screen: Early identification of oral diseases 
• Educate: Promotion of preventive behaviours 
• Treat: Immediate management of basic dental conditions 

This integrated approach ensured that beneficiaries received not only diagnosis but also timely intervention and guidance.

Target Population

• Patients attending Uran Rural Hospital 
• Residents from nearby rural and semi-urban areas 
• Individuals with limited access to dental services 
• High-risk populations requiring early screening 

Core Interventions

1. Oral Health Screening

• Systematic oral examinations were conducted for all participants 
• Assessment included dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral mucosal conditions 
• Screening for early signs of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) 
• Identification of treatment needs and referral planning 

2. On-Site Dental Treatment (Mobile Dental Van Services)

• Basic dental treatments provided within the mobile unit 
• Oral prophylaxis (scaling) and minor restorative procedures 
• Management of common dental complaints 
• Immediate relief-oriented care for symptomatic patients 

3. Oral Health Education and Counselling

• Chairside and group education sessions conducted 
• Demonstration of correct tooth brushing techniques 
• Awareness on:  
  • Importance of oral hygiene 
  • Role of diet in oral health 
  • Need for regular dental visits 
• Tobacco cessation counselling for high-risk individuals 

4. Advocacy and Health System Integration

An important component of the program included advocacy with the Medical Superintendent of Uran Rural Hospital, wherein discussions were held to promote a holistic, patient-centered approach to healthcare.

• Emphasis was placed on integrating oral health into routine medical care 
• The need for interdisciplinary collaboration between medical and dental professionals was highlighted 
• Strategies were discussed to incorporate oral health screening within general OPD services 
• The initiative aimed to strengthen early detection of oral conditions within the existing healthcare framework

Conclusion

The Oral Health Screening, Education, and Treatment Camp at Uran Rural Hospital successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of mobile, integrated, and community-oriented dental care delivery. By combining screening, treatment, and education in a single platform, the initiative ensured comprehensive care and reinforced the importance of accessible oral healthcare for all.