On the occasion of World Dentist Day on March 6th 2015, the Department of Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry in association with the Dept. of Public Health Dentistry, IGIDS and the Indian Dental Association- Puducherry Branch, conducted an oral screening & treatment camp at the NGO- Baby Sarah’s home for Children with Special Healthcare Needs & orphans at Kakayanthope, Ariyankuppam.
Mr. Stephen Raj, Director, Baby Sarah’s Home welcomed the team of 21 members comprising faculty, post graduates and interns from the Dept. of Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry & the President of Indian Dental Association- Puducherry Branch, Dr.S.V.Srinivasan & Secretary Dr. C.Ravishankar.
The camp began with dental health education to the kids and caregivers and distribution of toothpaste & brush samples to the children. The toothpaste and brush samples were provided by Warren Pharmaceuticals & Colgate. This was followed by oral screening and treatment for the children with special healthcare needs and other children. A total of 89 children (Children with Special Healthcare Needs- 50 & school children- 39) were screened & 60 children were provided with treatments like scaling, sealants & restorations. The nature of the dental problems present in the children was explained to the Director of the Home, who also assured continued co-operation in bringing the children to the Department for further treatment.
The Dept. of Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry & IDA would also take efforts to procure powered toothbrushes for the children with special healthcare needs. The Dept. also plans to extend the services to these children by providing comprehensive treatment for those children with special healthcare needs at our department, at regular intervals.
Apart from this, another Oral health awareness programme was conducted at new Bus stand, Puducherry along with Indian Dental Association, Puducherry Branch by Public Health Dentistry Department on 6the March 2015. Various activities were carried out and some are listed below.
Oral health screening and awareness for general public. In this activity all the general public was given free dental consultation and referred to the dental hospital for treatments.
- Total No. of General public Screened : 410
- No. of Male patients: 248
- No. of female patients: 162
“I respect my oral health” – General public and traders had participated in this activity.They had answered a set of question relating their respect &attitude towards oral health and oral clinical examination has been done to match their claim. The best respecting individual were identified and rewarded with certificate and a gift.
Number of traders participated – 172
Number of Prize Winners- 50
Best tooth brushing demonstrator – General public and traders participated in this activity. They demonstrated the brushing method they are currently applying followed by another round of demonstration after tooth brushing demo is give using model. Best demonstrator was identified and rewarded with the certificate & gift.
Total number of participants – 32
Total Number of prize winners -29