The Government of India is taking proactive measures to address oral health issues through the National Oral Health Programme, implemented in existing healthcare facilities via the PPP model. In collaboration with the Public Health Department, Civil Surgeon office, and Zilla Parishad, Nagpur, ShalinitaiMeghe Hospital & Research Centre, affiliated with Datta MegheMedical College, Wanadongri, Nagpur, has initiated a Preventive Oral Health Checkup and Pit & Fissure Sealant project for Zilla Parishad Schools in Hingna. This initiative falls under the National Oral Health Program, reflecting a comprehensive approach to enhancing oral healthcare facilities for school children.
The project is a significant undertaking aimed at reducing the prevalence of tooth decay, untreated tooth decay, tooth loss, and periodontitis among children aged 6-14 years. Dr. Danish Iqbal, District Oral Health Officer, Dr. Priyanka Kadu, Dental Officer at Rural Hospital Hingna, and Dr. Monal Kukde, College Project Coordinator at SMMHRC, play pivotal roles in ensuring the successful implementation of the program.
Dr. Monal Kukde, Project Coordinator & HOD Dept. of Dentistry, emphasized the program’s core objectives and reported that over 1000 children from various Zilla Parishadschools in Hingna underwent screening in the first stage. Approximately 400 children had sealants applied to their permanent first molars at the Department of Dentistry, ShalinitaiMeghe Hospital & Research Centre, providing protection against cavities on the chewing surfaces.
Dr. Anup Marar, Director of SMHRC, highlighted the collaborative effort between SMHRC, the Public Health Department, Civil Surgeon Office, and Zilla Parishad as a successful example of a public-private partnership (PPP) in healthcare. Leveraging existing healthcare facilities and resources ensures a more integrated and comprehensive approach to oral healthcare. The success of this initiative not only improves oral health in the community but also serves as a model for future public health programs.
Under the guidance of Dr. Ujwal Gajbe, Dean-DMMC, Dr. B.R. Singh, Vice Dean-DMMC, and Dr. Vasant Gawande, CMS-SMHRC, the Department of Dentistry at Datta Meghe Medical College is establishing a benchmark in the Preventive Oral Health Checkup and Pit & Fissure Sealant Project for ZillaParishad Schools in Hingna.