REPORT OF WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY
The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Azeezia College of Dental Science and Research in association with District Medical Office Kollam, successfully organised a series of programmes on the occasion of World Oral Health Day on 20th March 2026. The theme for this year was “A Happy Mouth Is A Happy Life” emphasising the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene for overall wellbeing.
World Oral Health Day is observed annually on March 20th to raise global awareness about the importance of oral healthand its impact on overall health and the quality of life, initiated by the FDI World Dental Federation, this day highlights the burden of oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal diseases and oral cancer which affects millions of people worldwide. It emphasises the importance of preventive strategies including proper brushing techniques, use of fluoride, healthy dietary habits and regular dental check-ups. The day also aims to reduce the prevalence of oral diseases by early diagnosis and timely treatment. Through campaigns, educational programmes, community outreach activities, dental professionals and organisations work together to empower individuals to take responsibility for their oral health.
The celebrations were conducted from 18th March to 23rd March with various outreach and awareness activities aimed at educating the public about Oral Health. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Sheeja A.L, District Medical Office, Kollam.
Various activities were organised as a part of this programme:
- Dental Exhibition at RP Mall, Kollam
- Awareness Talk and Dental Screening Camp at BadhiriyaB.Ed Training College
- Flash Mob and Rally at Kollam Press Club
Dental Exhibition (18/03/26 to 23/03/26):
A dental exhibition was organised at RP Mall, Kollam which served as a major attraction for the public. The exhibition showcased models, charts and demonstrations related to oral hygiene practices, common dental diseases and preventive measures. Visitors were educated on proper brushing techniques, diet counselling and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
Some of the models like Dental Health Care Globe, Posters on Rethink Your Drink, Dental Flossing, Mouth Ulcers, Space Maintainers, Other Models like Dental Clinic, Dental Van, Tobacco Body, Child Doctor Model gained public attraction. The dental exhibition was active from 2p.m. to 7p.m. along with free dental screenings. It was organised by Department of Public Health Dentistry, Azeezia College of Dental Science and Research and various members of Indian Dental Association (IDA) and staffs from National Rural Health Mission Hospitals, Kollam. A panel discussion was also conducted by Travancore Dental College at Conference Hall, District Medical Office, Kollam on 20th March 2026.
Awareness Talk and Dental Screening Camp (20/03/26):
An awareness programme along with Dental screening camp was conducted at Badhiriya B.Ed Training College, Velichikala, Kollam. The session included an awareness talk by Dr, Anagha Sankar, House Surgeon, Azeezia College of Dental Science and Research about oral hygiene, prevention of dental caries and impact of oral health in general health. A dental screening was provided to the participants by the house surgeons of the Department under the guidance of Dr. Naveen Jacob Varghese, Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Azeezia College of Dental Science and Research. A total of 23 Patients were examined and 20 of them were referred to Azeezia College of Dental Science and Research for various dental treatments with the help of referral cards as follows:
- No: of Prosthodontic cases: 01
- No: of Periodontic cases: 10
- No: of Orthodontic cases: 09
- No: of Endodontic cases: 07
- No: of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery cases: 05
Flash Mob and Rally (23/03/26):
To spread awareness in a more engaging and interacting manner, a Flash Mob and rally was conducted at the Kollam Press Club. The rally was from Clock Tower, Chinnakada to TB Hospital, Kollam. Staff House surgeons, 3rd Year students of Azeezia College of Dental Science and Research, Members from Shankar’s Hospital, TB Hospital, Kollam and National Health Mission also participated in the rally from 9:00a.m. to 10a.m..during the rally the house surgeons and students actively participated by holding informative and creative placards displaying key messages on Oral Health Awareness. These placards effectively captured public attention and help convey important oral health messages in a simple and impactful manner.
The World Oral Health Day celebrations were a grand success, with active participation from students, house surgeons, faculties and public. The series of events effectively spread awareness about oral health and encourage the adoption of healthy practices. Such initiatives play a crucial role in improving community oral health and reinforcing the message that a healthy mouth leads to a healthy life.
