Taking a cue from Maharashtra government’s ‘Swachh Mukh Abhiyan’ and ahead of Republic Day celebrations, dental students of the Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, decided to paint the walls of their college premises to spread awareness on oral and dental care.
Dr Mansing Pawar, Dean of GDC, said the students approached him to do something different for this Republic Day and that was when the idea of painting walls was floated.
“It is a well-known fact that there is very low awareness on importance of oral and dental hygiene. Even educated class ignores oral and dental problems till the time it becomes acute,” said Pawar.
He said his students started the painting work on Sunday (January 22). “The Public Works Department (PWD) arranged for the paint. Around 30 dental students along with interns and a post-graduate student have been working on the theme to spread awareness on oral and dental hygiene,” said Pawar.
The dean explained that beautification of wall premises project was divided on three aspects.
“The first aspect was how one can prevent oral and dental diseases. The second aspect of the project was how certain habits like chewing tobacco can affect oral and general health. Third aspect was on why one should go for early intervention for oral and dental care problem,” said Pawar.
Several surveys and studies have shown how people only approach a dentist when they have severe pain due to cavity.
“Simple steps like brushing twice a day and taking care of gums can help people maintain oral health better,” said Pawar.
The dental students will be felicitated for their contribution towards the society with help of drawings.
“On such a short notice, the students have done a commendable job. Many people still do not know that a tooth with cavity can be saved and one should fix an artificial tooth if you have lost a tooth. Through paintings, students have tried educating people on dental and oral care,” said Pawar.