The Department of Public Health Dentistry, SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Dharwad, conducted 12 oral health screening, oral health education and preventive treatment camps at various schools, healthcare centres, workplaces and community locations across Dharwad, Hubballi and neighbouring districts during August 2026.

These community outreach initiatives aimed to promote oral health awareness, facilitate early identification of dental problems and provide preventive and basic dental care to children and members of the community.

Oral Health Outreach Programmes

1. GHPS Model No. 2, Kamankatti – Ali Urdu Public School
Guru Vandana Programme | 1 August 2026
The dental team comprising Dr. Ravi Shirahatti, Dr. Bhagya, Dr. Sahana and Dr. Sakshi conducted the screening camp. A total of 28 patients were screened.

2. Adarsh Balika High School, Dharwad
4 August 2026
The team comprising Dr. Zeba Afroz Shaikh, Dr. Bhagya and Dr. Priyanka conducted the programme. 135 participants were screened, with 7 pit and fissure sealant applications carried out.

3. S. R. Bommai School, Hubballi
Rotary Club of Hubli Central | 4 August 2026
The dental team comprising Dr. Priya M. P., Dr. Waseemuddin Tirandaz, Dr. Sakshi Raikar, Dr. Sakshi Basanoor and Dr. Sahana Hiremath conducted the camp. A total of 538 patients were screened.

4. Malani Granite and Tiles Company, Mishrikot, Kalaghatagi
7 August 2026
Dr. Hema T., Dr. Pranavi, Dr. Richu and Dr. Sampreetha conducted the oral health screening programme. 53 patients were screened.

5. Manasganga English Medium School
Guru Vandana Programme | 8 August 2026
The team comprising Dr. Ravi Shirahatti, Dr. Bhagya, Dr. Pushpa and Dr. Sahana Halli conducted the camp, screening 20 patients.

6. Taluk Hospital, Hangal, Haveri District
9 August 2026
The dental team comprising Dr. Shifali, Dr. Keerthi B. H. and Dr. Sakshi Raikar, Dr. Sakshi Basanoor and Dr. Roshni conducted the programme. A total of 62 patients were screened.

7. Niveditha School, Dharwad
11 August 2026
An oral screening, oral health education and preventive treatment camp was conducted by Dr. Zeba Afroz Shaikh, Dr. Bhagya, Dr. Priyanka S, Dr. Waseem, Dr. Pratishtha, Dr. Sampreetha and Dr. Rahul, supported by non-teaching staff Mr. Tirukappa and Mr. Chanamallappa.
A total of 106 participants were screened, with pit and fissure sealant and fluoride gel applications provided as indicated.

8. Sairam Vidyakendra CBSE School, Navalur & Tejaswi Higher Primary School, Tejaswi Nagar, Dharwad
Guru Vandana Programme | 12 August 2026
The team comprising Dr. Priya Pattanshetti, Dr. Bhagya, Dr. Pushpa and Dr. Sahana Halli conducted the screening programme. 40 patients were screened.

9. Ali Urdu Public School, Dharwad
14 August 2026
The dental team comprising Dr. Shifali, Dr. Bhagya, Dr. Roshni, Dr. Pranavi, Dr. Sahana and Dr. Pratistha conducted the camp. A total of 205 patients were screened.

10. GHS, Kotabagi, Dharwad
21 August 2026
The team comprising Dr. Akshata Agnihotri, Dr. Waseemuddin Tirandaz, Dr. Richu, Dr. Pushpa, Dr. Sahana S, Dr. Sahana M, Dr. Shakshi B and Dr. Shakshi R, supported by non-teaching staff Mr. Prakash, conducted the camp.
A total of 301 patients were screened, and 61 patients received treatment at the camp site.

11. Udaan Foundation, Dharwad
25 August 2026
The programme was conducted by Dr. Akshata Agnihotri, Dr. Waseemuddin Tirandaz, Dr. Priyanka S and Dr. Sachi. A total of 25 patients were screened.

12. Shri Raghavendraswami Matha, Bhavani Nagar, Hubballi
In association with Jayapriya Eye Hospital and Karnataka Bank | 29 August 2026
The dental team comprising Dr. Priya M. P., Dr. Madhu and Dr. Khushi conducted the camp. A total of 50 patients were screened.

Strengthening Community Oral Healthcare

Through these 12 outreach programmes, the Department of Public Health Dentistry extended oral healthcare services beyond the clinical setting and reached diverse sections of the community. The camps focused on screening, oral health education, preventive care and timely referral, contributing to greater awareness of the importance of maintaining good oral health.

The initiatives reflect the Department’s continued commitment to community-based dental care, preventive dentistry and improving oral health awareness among children and the wider community.