Summary
- Over 40% of participating Baijalbari School students were diagnosed with dental issues during the camp
- Free toothbrushes and toothpaste were distributed to promote good oral hygiene practices
- The Oral Health Camp highlighted the urgent need for regular dental care in rural schools.
Agartala (Tripura) Jul 22: An humble Government press release on oral health conditions of rural children in Tripura may be used as an eye opener which may be helpful in averting a major disaster.
According to the press release, approximately 43% of students of Baijalbari Higher Secondary School under the Khowai District of Tripura are facing several oral issues.
Even as, the information is about children of a particular school only, it may serve as a catalyst for the policy makers and dental professionals to hold regular Oral Health Camps in schools across the State.
Bridging the gap in Rural Oral Healthcare
Oral health, though a vital component of overall well-being, remains a neglected area—particularly among children in rural communities where awareness and access to dental care are often limited.
In an effort to bridge this gap, the Baijalbari Primary Health Centre (PHC) organized a dental health awareness and screening camp recently at Baijalbari Higher Secondary School, under the National Oral Health Programme.
Student Participation and Screenings
The initiative saw enthusiastic participation from 67 students, including 32 boys and 35 girls, who underwent dental check-ups during the one-day camp.
The screening was led by Dr. Jaba Debbarma, Dental Surgeon at Baijalbari PHC, who personally examined each student.
Prevalence of Dental Issues
According to an official government release, dental issues were detected in 29 students out of the total 67 students—amounting to approximately 43% of those screened.
The most common conditions identified included tooth decay and other related oral health problems.
Guidance on Oral Hygiene
During her interaction with the students, Dr. Debbarma emphasized the critical importance of daily oral hygiene.
She advised students to brush their teeth twice a day, rinse their mouths thoroughly after every meal, and avoid excessive consumption of sugary or harmful foods.
Push for Timely Treatment
She also urged those experiencing dental discomfort to visit the health centre promptly for further diagnosis and treatment.
Distribution of Hygiene Kits
To reinforce healthy habits, the PHC team distributed free toothbrushes and toothpaste to all participating students, fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness around oral hygiene.
A Step Toward Healthier Communities
This camp stands as a testament to the objectives of the National Oral Health Programme of creating healthier communities through preventive care, early detection, and education—especially in underserved rural areas.
About National Oral Health Programme
The National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) is a strategic initiative introduced in India to combat the rising incidence of oral diseases and improve dental health across the country.
The programme is designed to deliver oral healthcare that is accessible, affordable, and sustainable, with a strong emphasis on preventive measures and awareness-building.
By seamlessly integrating oral health services into the existing healthcare infrastructure, NOHP ensures broader reach and impact.
The programme also promotes collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance service delivery and expand its footprint.
Background and Evolution
The foundation of the programme was laid in 1998 under the name National Oral Health Care Programme, with a focus on primary prevention and the development of a structured oral health system.
It was later rebranded and officially launched as the National Oral Health Programme in 2014–15, with a renewed commitment to providing affordable and quality dental care to all sections of society.
Core Objectives and Strategic Focus
- Prevention and Management of Oral Diseases: Reducing the occurrence of dental and oral health problems through timely intervention and education.
- Enhancement of Oral Health Determinants: Addressing social, behavioral, and environmental factors that affect oral hygiene and health outcomes.
- Integration with General Health Services: Embedding oral healthcare within the primary healthcare framework to enable early detection and routine care.
- Upgrading Public Health Infrastructure Strengthening government health facilities with necessary equipment, resources, and manpower for dental care.
- Fostering Public-Private Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships between government and private entities to expand outreach and service efficiency.
Major Initiatives and Activities
- Organizing Dental Screening and Treatment Camps: Conducting regular outreach camps for early diagnosis and treatment of oral conditions in underserved areas.
- IEC/BCC Activities for Public Awareness
- Running Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) and Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) campaigns to educate the public about oral hygiene practices.
- Capacity Building and Human Resource Development: Training and developing skilled dental health professionals to strengthen service delivery.
- Provision of Dental Consumables: Ensuring a steady supply of essential materials and tools required for routine dental treatments at government facilities.
