TV9 Network and Sensodyne partner again to spread oral health awareness

Experts and dignitaries from various segments of dental sciences gathered to engage in discussions around oral health problems that are pertinent to people of all ages.

Key dignitaries from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Niti Aayog, Indian Dental Association, National Oral Health Forum and Dental Council of India graced the occasion with their august presence.

Applauding the initiative, Dr Bharati Pawar, MoS – Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH & FW) said, “Oral health is key part of the overall health and lifestyle of the people.

In the past 10 years initiatives have been taken up to promote oral hygiene awareness. Along with other areas and sectors, dental sciences as a segment have grown leaps and bounds. The number of dental science colleges has increased from 304 before 2014 to 323 colleges in 2024. Along with the colleges, there has been an increase of 14 per cent in BDS courses. All these initiatives are being taken to ensure that oral hygiene maintenance is accessible to the remotest of villages. We need to prioritise and promote dental hygiene in every city and every village, and I am glad that TV9 Network and Sensodyne have partnered up to spread the much-needed awareness.”

Talking about the campaign and the need of oral health awareness further, Rajiv Manjhi, Joint Secretary, MoH and FW added, “Today, only 35 per cent of the people have oral health seeking behaviour. Under various government initiatives, we have managed to bring down the out-of-pocket expenditure. When it comes to taking the first step towards oral health, it has to be prevention.

Under the National Health Mission, we have given the state governments means to take the awareness generation of oral hygiene to district and sub-district levels. This shall ensure and increase the percentage of people who have oral health seeking behaviour.”