GlaxoSmithKline partners with Smile Foundation for Mobile Dental Units

 With an aim to create awareness and treat dental problems among underprivileged population in Delhi NCR, GlaxoSmithKline Asia Private Limited, has launched four mobile dental units in partnership with Smile Foundation.

The Mobile Dental Vans “Smile on Wheels Mobile Dental Vans” were flagged off by Dr. Ram Prakash Rai, District Epidemiologist (IDPS) Civil Surgeon Office, Gurugram, Health Department at Chakkarpur, Gurugram to serve the underprivileged communities.

Speaking on partnering with Smile Foundation, Shanu Saksena, Head CSR, GSK APL said, "There's a synergic relationship between oral health and overall wellness. Taking actions to support communities to be healthy is reinforcing our commitment that better everyday health should be within the reach for everyone. That’s why we want to positively impact people living in the communities we operate in. Through this partnership, we have an opportunity to usher in change and work together in overcoming barriers faced in the delivery of oral healthcare to underserved areas.”

Oral health is an indicator of overall wellbeing and there is an increased need for interventions to alleviate prevalence of oral disease burden in the country. Around 85-90 % adults and 60-80 % children have dental cavities in India.

As schools are effective platforms to strengthen oral health promotion and disease prevention intervention, Smile Foundation will also conduct a School Dental Health Programme once a week offering dental check-ups to children.

“This pilot project is a step towards addressing dental healthcare in India. We have partnered with GSK APL to launch our first ever mobile dental units. We are hoping to bridge the gaps in dental healthcare delivery and provide quality services at the grassroots to ensure oral healthcare for all,” said Mr. Santanu Mishra, Co-founder & Executive Trustee, Smile Foundation.

Smile Foundation will operate the four mobile dental vans in Delhi NCR to create awareness on oral health and hygiene, and increase access thereafter. Two mobile dental units will operate in Delhi and one each in Noida and Gurugram, serving people free of charge.

Each medical mobile unit is equipped with GPS facility, offering dental consultation, oral cancer screening to underprivileged people in and around Delhi NCR free of charge. Each unit is staffed with a registered dentist, technician, programme coordinator and aims to reach out to 72,000 beneficiaries in the first year. Smile Foundation aims to establish linkages with government and charitable hospitals for referral services.