"Healthy Mouth. Healthy Body. Happy Ageing."
Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra | 23 July 2026: Reinforcing its commitment to community healthcare beyond conferences and clinical practice, the Bharat Dental Show – Women’s Driven Congress successfully conducted its flagship outreach initiative, "Smile For Life", at Parijatha Care Centre, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai.
The free dental awareness program was specially designed for senior citizens, bringing preventive oral healthcare education directly to residents aged 65 years and above. The initiative reflects the Bharat Dental Show's vision of extending dental education into the community while emphasizing the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being.
The session was led by Dr. Shefali Bhiwapurkar, Community Outreach Coordinator, under the guidance of Dr. Manali Mehta, Organizing Secretary, along with Dr. Aarohi. The team interacted with residents across two male and two female wards, creating an engaging and supportive environment focused on improving quality of life through better oral health awareness.
The awareness session covered key topics essential for healthy ageing, including:
- The connection between oral health and systemic health
- Proper denture care and maintenance
- Daily oral hygiene practices
- Nutrition for healthy teeth and gums
- The importance of regular dental check-ups
Beyond the educational session, the initiative fostered meaningful conversations with residents, many of whom shared concerns related to chewing difficulties, dry mouth, and denture discomfort. Caregivers also actively participated, seeking practical guidance on supporting the oral health of elderly residents.
The program highlighted that effective dental care is not limited to treatment—it begins with education, empathy, and listening. Through "Smile For Life," the organizers created a platform where seniors felt heard, informed, and encouraged to prioritize their oral health.
The organizing team expressed sincere gratitude to the management of Parijatha Care Centre, especially Dr. Jairaj, Dr. Seethalakshmi Jairaj, and the dedicated caregivers, nurses, and support staff for their warm hospitality and wholehearted cooperation in making the outreach program a success. Special appreciation was also extended to Dentist Channel Online for supporting and powering this meaningful community initiative.
Leadership Perspectives
Dr. Manali Mehta, Organizing Secretary, Bharat Dental Show, said:
"As women dentists, our responsibility extends beyond the dental chair. Through Smile For Life, we took precision and purpose into the community because preventive care for our seniors is preventive care for our society."
Dr. Shefali Bhiwapurkar, Community Outreach Coordinator, added:
"Smile For Life was about more than teeth. It was about listening. Many seniors have never had anyone explain why their gums bleed or why their dentures cause discomfort. Even one hour of education can significantly improve their quality of life."
With initiatives like "Smile For Life," the Bharat Dental Show – Women’s Driven Congress continues to champion community engagement, preventive dentistry, and healthy ageing, reinforcing the belief that every smile deserves care at every stage of life.
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