An aim to create a Cavity-Free Future
Free Dental Check-ups planned across 1300 towns in Oct-Nov ‘14
NewZNew (Chandigarh) : Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, the market leader in Oral Care, and the Indian Dental Association announced the commencement of Oral Health Month (OHM) across the country. The oral care initiative, spanning October and November 2014, aims to create nationwide oral health awareness to fight cavities and instill the importance of good oral hygiene through free dental check-ups.
A consumer study recently conducted by market research firm GFK Mode and commissioned by Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited revealed that 47% of people have never visited a dentist. And furthermore, 38% of people who have ever visited a dentist, do so only when they have a dental problem. The aim of the Oral Health Month is to make access to dental checkups easier and to be able to identify and prevent oral health problems like cavities before they become serious. In this survey 90% of people agreed that they will avail of a free dental checkup.
This year, the focus and efforts of Oral Health Month (OHM) are dedicated towards creating a Cavity-Free Future. The program will offer in-clinic free dental check-ups in more than 1,300 cities and towns in collaboration with over 35,000 dentists. Freecavity check-ups will also be conducted in mobile vans in 45 towns in schools, housing societies and under-privileged areas to encourage people to avail of the offer.
Distinguished film actors Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Allu Arjun and Kajal Aggarwal are extending their support to the initiative by taking the Colgate Pledge for a Cavity-Free Future. By doing so, all the celebrities are encouraging families to benefit from the free dental check-up provided during OHM and adopt good oral hygiene for a Cavity Free Future.
Dr. Ashok Dhoble, Hon. Secretary General, Indian Dental Associationsaid, “2014 marks the eleventh year of our continuous association with Colgate for Oral Health Month. This year, more than 35,000 dentists from Indian Dental Association have pledged their support to provide free cavity check-ups across the country. As reflected in the consumer study conducted by Colgate and GFK Mode, there is a need to educate people about the benefits of regular dental check-ups. Through Oral Health Month, we are committed to making Oral Care available to all across the country with a special focus on creating a Cavity-Free Future.”
Eric Jumbert, Director, Marketing, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited added, “The consumer survey conducted recently reveals a serious and growing oral health concern across the country. We are proud to pioneer focused initiatives such as Oral Health Month that not only elevate awareness levels, but also bring Oral Care closer to consumers. In 2014,OHM aims to reach 6 million consumers across the country, encouragingthem to take the pledge for a ‘cavity-free future’ by getting a free dental checkup to keep their families protected from cavities.”
Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan said, “I am delighted to be associated with such a noble cause like Oral Health Month, where Colgate and the Indian Dental Association are working towards greater awareness for good dental hygiene habits. I pledge for a cavity free future and commit to go for a dental check-up along with my family during the Oral Health Month. I would encourage everyone to avail a free dental check-up during the Oral Health Month by giving a missed call on the toll free number.”
To avail of a free in-clinic dental check-up, all one has to do is give a missed call between 1st October to 30th November 2014 on the toll free number 1800 4197 575. In response, the caller will receive a call back asking for their pincode. An SMS with contact details of the nearest dentist will be sent. To know more, visit www.oralhealthmonth.co.in
Oral Health Month 2014 is being supported by a fully integrated 360 degree marketing campaign encompassing TV, digital and on-ground activities – to increasingly encourage families to take the pledge for a cavity-free future.
About Oral Health Month
With the launch of India’s first National Oral Health Survey conducted by Dental Council of India and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, supported by Colgate-Palmolive, Oral Health Month began in 2004 with support from dentists from IDA. The survey conducted by Dental Council of India threw light on the falling standards of oral health care in India. In 2004, dental check-ups and oral care education camps were carried out at public places, schools, orphanages and slums in 20 towns across India.
Oral Health Month over the years
In its 11th year, Oral Health Month 2014 will bring together a wide spectrum of awareness-related initiatives to highlight the importance of overall oral health. With an increased participation of over 35,000 IDA affiliated dentists; OHM 2014 aims to reach 6 million consumers across the country. The two-month long awareness drive will cover free in-clinic dental check-ups and mobile dental vans travelling to numerous cities across underprivileged areas. Many such initiatives to engage the consumers will be initiated during OHM 2014.
About The Indian Dental Association
The Indian Dental Association (IDA), formed in 1946, is the largest recognized body of dental professionals in India. It has helped shape the National Oral Health Policy. Working towards the promotion, encouragement and advancement of dental and allied sciences. IDA has a national presence with 30 state branches, 1 defense branch and more than 250 local branches spread across India. It has a combined strength of over 50,000 dentists and student members registered with it.
All along, IDA has been in the forefront of oral health campaigns and, towards its goal of attaining optimum oral health in the country, it has initiated quite a few novel activities like SPOT (Spot and Prevent Oral Cancer Trauma) Centres for early detection and treatment of oral cancer, TII (Tobacco Intervention Initiative) Centres for tobacco cessation and behavioral counseling under the banner of its Oral Cancer Foundation, Child Dental Centre for caries treatment and Educational and Training Centres for continuing education for professional advancement of dentists. For details of IDA’s projects and programmes, visit IDA Website: www.ida.org.in