World oral health day 2024 was celebrated by department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College and Hospital, Srinagar today on March 20. This day is celebrated annually to spread awareness around the world about oral health and its link with General health. This day was first celebrated on 12 September 2007 organized by FDI World Dental Federation to create global awareness about oral health and importance of oral hygiene. However in 2013 FDI decided to celebrate 20th March as world oral health day instead of 12 September annually.
The theme for this year’s campaign is “happy mouth is a happy body.” It highlights the intricate relation between oral health and overall general health, this campaign is all about following dental hygiene rules the avoid illness and reduce burden of diseases.
Department of Public Health Dentistry arranged a series of programs under this campaign starting from 6th March 2024. During this campaign a radio program highlighting “Oral Hygiene Measures for prevention of oral diseases” on Prasar Bharti was aired on different frequencies and special programs on visual media like Television and social media were broadcasted.
A series of oral health awareness / outreach camps for general public where arranged at far flung areas of Kashmir valley. A special program for oral health awareness was conducted in Kellar, Gujran area of Salar in district Anantnag and Duruoo, Tangmarg of district Baramulla. A large number of local population attended these camps and were benefitted.
This program shall continue for one month in which numerous oral health awareness / outreach camps at different places in Kashmir valley shall be conducted including free treatment and provision of free medication. Besides these activities, a large campaign about oral hygiene / education and prevention of oral diseases were carried in the premises of Government Dental College and hospital Srinagar Banners & flycard where displayed for educational purposes and different health education pamphlets were distributed among the masses. This program will continue for one month and shall benefit the general public at large and will also provide education about oral health and prevention of oral disease.