On the occasion of World Oral Health Day 2026, the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Index Institute of Dental Sciences, Indore, organized a comprehensive Awareness Program and Oral Screening Camp with the objective of promoting oral health awareness and encouraging the early detection of oral diseases. The outreach initiative targeted drivers, industrial workers, and members of the local community, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, adopting healthy lifestyle practices, and recognizing the early warning signs of oral cancer and other oral health conditions. Faculty members, postgraduate students, interns, and support staff actively participated in conducting educational sessions and screening activities.
The screening camp offered free oral examinations and personalized counseling to participants, enabling the identification of suspicious oral lesions, tobacco-related conditions, and other dental problems requiring timely intervention. Through interactive awareness sessions, participants were educated about the harmful effects of tobacco and alcohol consumption, the significance of regular dental check-ups, and preventive measures for maintaining lifelong oral health. Informative demonstrations and one-to-one counseling motivated individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health and encouraged them to seek professional care whenever necessary. The initiative served as an effective platform for promoting preventive dentistry and strengthening community engagement.
The program reflected the institution’s commitment to social responsibility and community welfare by extending quality oral healthcare services beyond the campus. Such outreach activities create a lasting impact by improving health literacy, encouraging positive behavioral changes, and empowering individuals to take responsibility for their overall well-being. By highlighting the close relationship between oral health, general health, and family welfare, the awareness program successfully conveyed a strong message of prevention and early intervention. The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery continues to organize similar community-based initiatives, reinforcing its mission of delivering compassionate care, advancing public health awareness, and contributing to the creation of a healthier society.
