The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Index Institute of Dental Sciences, observed World Oral Health Month 2026 from 20th March to 20th April 2026 with a series of awareness and outreach activities dedicated to promoting preventive oral healthcare. Centered around the global theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,” the month-long campaign aimed to educate people about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and adopting healthy lifestyle practices for overall well-being. Faculty members, postgraduate students, interns, and undergraduate students actively participated in organizing educational programmes that reached diverse sections of society.
Throughout the campaign, various activities including oral health awareness rallies, community education sessions, health talks, and interactive demonstrations were conducted across urban and rural areas. Mobile dental units and outreach teams organized screening camps where thousands of individuals were examined for common oral diseases such as dental caries, gingivitis, periodontal conditions, and precancerous lesions. Participants received personalized oral hygiene instructions, dietary counselling, and referrals for further treatment whenever required. Special emphasis was placed on educating school children, elderly populations, and underserved communities about the significance of regular dental check-ups and early diagnosis in preventing oral diseases.
A major highlight of the observance was the pledge ceremony, where participants committed themselves to practicing twice-daily brushing, maintaining proper oral hygiene, and staying away from tobacco products. Awareness sessions on tobacco cessation and the harmful effects of smoking and smokeless tobacco further reinforced the message of disease prevention and healthy living. The successful implementation of World Oral Health Month 2026 reflected the institute’s commitment to community service, preventive dentistry, and public health promotion. Through sustained outreach and education, the Department of Public Health Dentistry continues to strengthen oral health awareness and encourage positive behavioural changes that contribute to healthier smiles and improved quality of life for the community.
