Oral Cancer Awareness and Screening Camp for the Gypsy Community

Venue: Thiruvanmiyur

Total No. of beneficiaries: 358

With a commitment to extending oral healthcare services to underserved populations, the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sree Balaji Dental College & Hospital, in collaboration with the Indian Dental Association, organized an Oral Cancer Awareness and Screening Camp for the gypsy community at Thiruvanmiyur on 20th May 2026 as part of the Oral Cancer Awareness Program.

The initiative was conducted under the theme “Smiles Without Barriers”, emphasizing equitable access to oral healthcare and the importance of early detection of oral diseases among marginalized communities. The camp aimed to educate the participants about oral cancer, its risk factors, and the significance of maintaining proper oral hygiene practices.

A dedicated team comprising faculty members, postgraduate students, and interns from the Department of Public Health Dentistry carried out oral examinations and screening procedures for the community members. The participants were sensitized about the harmful effects of tobacco and areca nut consumption, common warning signs of oral cancer, and the necessity of seeking timely professional care.

To strengthen awareness efforts, informative pamphlets highlighting preventive measures and healthy oral habits were distributed among the participants. Interactive health education sessions encouraged the community to adopt healthier lifestyle choices and prioritize regular oral check-ups.

As a gesture to promote preventive oral healthcare, toothbrushes and toothpaste kits were distributed to all attendees. The outreach program witnessed active participation from the community and served as a meaningful step toward improving oral health awareness and accessibility among socially vulnerable groups.

The camp successfully reflected the institution’s dedication toward community-oriented healthcare by reaching populations that often remain beyond the scope of routine dental services.