School Oral Health Outreach Program Launched in Ganderbal on World Health Day
Srinagar, April 7, 2026: The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College (GDC) Srinagar, in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir, launched an Oral Health Awareness, Screening, and Free Dental Camp for school students in District Ganderbal today, on the occasion of World Health Day.
The initiative is part of the School Oral Health Outreach Program.The inauguration was graced by Director Education Kashmir, Mr. Naseer Ahmed Wani, and Principal & Dean, GDC Srinagar, Professor Dr. Sandeep Kaur Bali, who jointly cut the ribbon to formally launch the program. A flag-off ceremony followed, sending the dental team to various schools across the district.
Highlighting the significance of preventive dental care, the dignitaries stressed the importance of early oral health education for school-going children. Dr. Aasim Farooq Shah, Head of the Department of Public Health Dentistry, GDC Srinagar, said that 88 dental camps are planned across schools in District Ganderbal this year, conducted by specialized teams with mobile dental units.
The first camp took place at Nots High School, Cherwan, Hari Ganiwan, inaugurated by CEO Ganderbal, Oneel Kumar Bhat. Around 180 students benefited from free dental screening, preventive treatments, and oral hygiene kits, including toothpaste and toothbrushes. The program concluded with a plantation drive on the school premises.
The initiative is part of month-long activities commemorating World Oral Health Day (March 20), reinforcing the college’s commitment to community outreach and promoting oral hygiene practices among young students.— The Freelancer’s (TF)
