Aligarh: Dentists and faculty members of the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Dr. ZA Dental College, Aligarh Muslim University in collaboration with the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry organized a series of dental health awareness events comprising oral health talks, free dental check-ups, counseling and drawing and quiz contests on the theme, ‘PedoMania-Tiny Teeth Matter’ in various AMU schools and UP Government schools to observe the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

“Since oral diseases can be prevented with routine care and regular dental checkups, it is imperative to make children aware of the various steps for prevention and treatment. If these programmes are conducted on a regular basis, dental problems will no longer affect the health and school performances of children”, said Prof Divya Sanjay Sharma, Chairperson of the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry.

Prof MK Jindal emphasized: “The best way to protect the teeth of children is to teach them good dental habits—and with proper awareness, they will quickly adopt good oral hygiene in their daily routine”.

Prof Saima Yunus Khan pressed the need for regular dental checkups of students from an early age.

Prof MK Jindal and Prof Saima Khan also coordinated the awareness programmes with Dr. Mohammad Kamran Khan and Dr. Imam Azam.

The ZADC dentists also conducted awareness rallies, administered pledges to the school students for dental care, and distributed informative pamphlets at various schools. Classes I to V students participated in drawing and quiz competitions.

School students were also advised to do ‘Yoga’ for holistic health and development.