JOIN USMaulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences launched its mobile dental scheme, an outreach programme which will be run through vans equipped with dental care instruments. The scheme was launched by health minister Dr A K Walia during the annual Dental Health Utsav of MAIDS.
Walia said there is a huge gap between awareness and availability of dental services. The goal of the mobile dental clinics is to bridge this gap and provide necessary services.
The scheme will be funded by the National Rural Health Mission and is expected to start within six months.
It will have six vans which will be stationed at government dispensaries. Two vans will be mobile dental clinics which will be equipped to treat almost all ailments, including some specialised ones.
They will have dental operatory and diagnostic chair with portable equipments. Also, an air condition with full power back up, water tank and toilet. There is provision for patient waiting area and LCD television with audio-video aids for patient education.
Equipments for sterilisation, storage and waste disposal will also be there. Other four vans will be information education and communication (IEC) clinics. There will be a provision for primary and some secondary level treatment.
The moblie clinics will have two dental surgeons, a hygienist, an assistant, a driver and a helper. The IEC dental clinics will have a doctor, a helper and a driver.
“The recruitment of staff will be carried out by directorate of health services,” said Dr Vikrant Mohanty of MAIDS.
The Dental Health Utsav will finish on December 15, 2012. Free dental check-up will be done from 11 am to 3 pm every day.
As an incentive a toothbrush and toothpaste were given to all on the inaugural day. A dental health exhibition was setup to educate general public about dental care and doctors demonstrated brushing techniques and other oral hygiene aids.