On 1st August every year, Oral Hygiene Day is celebrated to honor the birth anniversary of Dr. Govind B. Shankwalkar, a trailblazer in the field of Periodontics in India. This year’s celebrations were held at the Department of Periodontics, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, with Dr. Chindendra Shettar, the Registrar of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, serving as the esteemed chief guest.

The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, followed by a warm welcome speech delivered by Dr. Swati Setty, the Head of the Department of Periodontics. Dr. Chindendra Shettar addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of incorporating eco-friendly practices into daily oral hygiene routines. This highlighted the significance of environmental consciousness in dental care.

During the celebration, the winners of the essay competition on ‘Green Dentistry’ were recognized and awarded certificates by the dignitaries, acknowledging their efforts in promoting eco-friendly dental practices. To further raise awareness, educational videos on the subject were released across various social media platforms.

Promoting sustainable dental care, bamboo toothbrushes were distributed to all patients attending the event. The initiative aimed to encourage patients to adopt eco-friendly oral care products and contribute to environmental conservation.

The event was graced by Vice Principals, Dr. Anand Tavargeri, and Dr. Lekha P, alongside other department heads and esteemed teaching faculties.

Overall, the celebration of Oral Hygiene Day served as a platform to honor Dr. Govind B. Shankwalkar’s legacy while promoting eco-friendly oral care practices among dental professionals, patients, and the wider community. It aimed to create a positive impact on oral health and environmental preservation.