India 6 October 2016: In order to highlight the importance of dental hygiene amongst school children, the Public Health Office Committee of Vivekanand Education Society's College of Pharmacy (VESCOP) had organized a free dental health checkup camp in association with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) Mumbai Chapter for children of Subhash Nagar Municipal School, Chembur on October 6.
"In this health camp, we examined the dental health of children in the age group 3-15. We found that most of them suffered from tooth decay. They consumed ice cream and chocolates in excess. They were largely ignorant about the proper techniques of brushing and negligent about basic dental health issues", said Dr Afsha Laheji, Scientific Convenor, IDA.
297 students covering the Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati and Kannada medium of the school participated in the camp. They received guidance on various techniques of dental hygiene from IDA experts and volunteers from VESCOP went from class to class demonstrating proper brushing techniques. Free toothbrush and toothpaste samples were distributed to the students which were provided by Colgate.
Elucidating on the various community awareness campaigns undertaken by the Public Health Awareness Committee of VESCOP, Sushma Mistry, Final Year B. Pharm student said, “The Public Health Office Committee of VESCOP is actively involved in undertaking several social campaigns like blood donation drives. Recently we undertook an organ donation registry. Today we decided to organize an oral health campaign in a municipal school as we felt that students from the deprived sections of society need to be made aware of the importance of dental hygiene. We appreciate the assistance provided by IDA and Colgate in organizing this camp.”
"VESCOP is always in the forefront of highlighting health and social issues. Our students are always ready to volunteer for the greater good of the community. We are committed to organizing more such camps in future with concerned social organizations", said Dr (Mrs.) Supriya Shidhaye, Principal, VESCOP.