In collaboration with ICD North Zone Section VI, IDA Chandigarh State Branch, and Rotary Club Chandigarh Uptown, a successful dental camp was organized on 1st October 2024 at Star Public Smart School, Kajheri, Chandigarh, a school located in a rural area. The camp aimed to promote oral health awareness and provide dental check-ups for the students. A total of 263 students were screened during the camp.

Collaborators and Team

The camp was supported by key organizations, including ICD North Zone Section VI, IDA Chandigarh State Branch, and Rotary  Club Chandigarh Uptown.

The dental check-ups were conducted by a dedicated team from the Oral Health Sciences Centre (OHSC), PGIMER Chandigarh. The team headed by Dr. Richa Srivastava (Assistant Professor).Dr. Manikesh (Senior Resident), Dr. Komal Kaur (Research Officer), Sanjeev Kumar, and Suraj Kumar were part of the team.

ICD Fellows Dr. R.P. Gupta, Dr. Arpit Gupta, and Dr. Varun Bajaj were also present at the camp. Furthermore, Dr. Jaspreet Sandhu, a member of the IDA Chandigarh State Branch, contributed to the success of the camp through their active involvement.

Activities and Impact

The camp primarily focused on educating students about oral hygiene and assessing their dental health. Each student underwent a thorough oral examination, and the findings were documented to provide feedback and recommendations for further care if needed. Furthermore silver Diamine application was done in student suffering  from Early Childhood Caries.

Apart from the clinical check-ups, the students were provided with oral health education sessions that emphasized proper brushing techniques, the role of diet in dental health, and preventive measures for common dental issues like cavities and gum diseases.

Key Outcomes

●Number of students screened: 263

●Toothpaste distributed: Toothpaste was distributed among the students to encourage good oral hygiene habits.

●Educational materials distributed

The rural setting of the school highlighted the need for such initiatives to reach underserved communities. The camp was well-received by both students and school authorities, as it not only helped in the early detection of dental issues but also raised awareness of preventive oral health measures among the young population.

Conclusion

This dental camp was a significant step toward promoting oral health in a rural school. The distribution of toothpaste reinforced the camp’s message about maintaining oral hygiene. It also highlighted the importance of community collaboration in improving public health. Continued efforts and follow-up initiatives are essential to ensure the long-term impact of such programs.