GDCH, Mumbai: October Outreach: Advancing Oral Healthcare, Reaching Every Smile

GDCH, Mumbai: October Outreach: Advancing Oral Healthcare, Reaching Every Smile

The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai, conducted an extensive series of oral health screening, education, and outreach activities throughout October 2025 aligned with the global theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life”

This month-long campaign focused on preventive oral healthcare, early detection, and community awareness, reaching diverse and underserved populations across Mumbai.

Objectives

• Deliver oral healthcare services to underserved and hard-to-reach populations 
• Encourage healthy oral hygiene practices and reduce disease burden 
• Identify dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral lesions at an early stage 
• Increase awareness regarding oral hygiene, diet, and regular dental visits 
• Foster long-term adoption of healthy oral habits among children and adults 
• Strengthen awareness and self-care practices through targeted education 

A total of 11 outreach camps were conducted, reaching 1404 beneficiaries, including children, women, healthcare workers, and underserved populations.

Campaign Duration

• Start Date: 01October 2025 
• End Date: 31 October 2025 

Target Population

The campaign reached a diverse and inclusive population, including:

• School children (primary and secondary students) 
• Anganwadi children and early childhood groups 
• Women groups, including self-help groups and working women 
• Residents of slum and underserved communities (Dharavi, Kurla, Mankhurd, Ghatkopar) 
• General community members from urban and semi-urban settings 

This wide outreach ensured equitable access to oral healthcare services across different socio-economic strata.

Campaign Highlights

• Total Camps Conducted: 11 
• Total Patients Screened: 1404 
  • Male: 605 
  • Female: 799 

Detailed Camp Activities

1 October 2025 – TNC School, Kalwa

Patients Screened: 135
Tagline: “Strong Teeth Begin with Smart Habits”
Focus on children’s oral hygiene, brushing techniques, and preventive care.

3 October 2025 – Joglekar Wadi School, Sion

Patients Screened: 331
Tagline: “Strong Start, Healthy Smiles”
Emphasis on early education, healthy diet, and routine dental check-ups.

4 October 2025 – Joglekar Wadi School, Sion

Patients Screened: 231
Tagline: “Healthy Teeth Start at School”
Reinforcing lifelong oral hygiene habits among students.

6 October 2025 – Dharavi Slums, Mumbai

Patients Screened: 140
Tagline: “Healthy Smiles for All”
Community outreach focusing on underserved populations.

6 October 2025 – Sahara Handicraft, Santacruz

Patients Screened: 32
Tagline: “Strong Teeth, Strong Women”
Focused on women’s oral health and awareness.

7 October 2025 – Self-Help Group, Chembur

Patients Screened: 37
Tagline: “Preventive Care Today for Empowered Women Tomorrow”
Empowering women through preventive dental education.

10 October 2025 – Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Ghatkopar

Patients Screened: 106
Tagline: “Strong Teeth, Healthy Community”
Focused on improving oral health in underserved communities.

13 October 2025 – Kurla Slums (Hanuman Mandir Area)

Patients Screened: 94
Tagline: “Healthy Teeth, Happy Children, Thriving Community”
Child and family-centered oral health education.

15 October 2025 – Vision Rescue Center, Mankhurd

Patients Screened: 86
Tagline: “Healthy Smiles for All”
Preventive care and hygiene awareness among children.

17 October 2025 – Anganwadi, Wadala

Patients Screened: 98
Tagline: “Strong Start, Healthy Smiles”
Focus on early childhood oral health.

27 October 2025 – Mankhurd Slums

Patients Screened: 114
Tagline: “Healthy Teeth, Happy Children, Thriving Community”
Reinforcing oral health awareness in vulnerable communities.

Services Delivered Across All Camps

• Oral Health Screening: Diagnosis of dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral lesions 
• Oral Health Education: 
  • Brushing technique demonstrations 
  • Diet counselling 
  • Preventive awareness 
• Community Counselling: 
  • Oral hygiene practices 
  • Importance of regular dental visits 

Conclusion

The October 2025 campaign successfully demonstrated the power of community-based preventive dentistry. By reaching diverse populations across schools, slums, and community groups, the Department reinforced the importance of early intervention, awareness, and accessibility. This initiative stands as a strong example of public health dentistry in action, contributing to the vision of “Oral Health for All” and building healthier communities through sustained outreach.