Manipal College of Dental Sciences Launches Mobile Dental Clinic

Aims to extend oral care to underserved areas in Udupi district and its surrounding regions.

Manipal, August 21, 2023: The Department of Public Health Dentistry at Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), Manipal, achieved a significant milestone with the inauguration of their advanced Mobile Dental Clinic.

Recognizing the challenges faced by remote communities in accessing oral healthcare services due to geographical distances and financial constraints, the new Mobile Dental Clinic has been designed to bridge this gap effectively. The initiative aims to extend oral care to underserved areas in Udupi district and its surrounding regions.

Equipped with cutting-edge features, the clinic comprises two fully equipped dental chairs within the treatment area, a spacious waiting section that doubles as passenger seating, an entertainment unit with a television, and Wi-Fi internet connectivity. The vehicle’s ingenious design is tailored to navigate narrow rural roads and coastal terrains, ensuring accessibility even in the most far-flung locations.

Addressing the audience, Lt. Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), emphasized the pressing need to promote oral health and expand healthcare access through initiatives like the Mobile Dental Clinic. He encouraged the optimal utilization of this mobile unit to provide oral care services to the masses, especially in areas grappling with limited access to dental facilities.

Dr. Monica C Solomon, Dean of MCODS, Manipal, took the stage to shed light on the Department of Public Health Dentistry’s outreach programs in the Udupi district. She also seized the opportunity to acknowledge the winners of the Public Health Dentistry quiz competition, conducted in collaboration with the Indian Association of Public Health.

Dr. Ramprasad V P, Professor and Head of the Department of Public Health Dentistry, welcomed the distinguished guests and illuminated the Mobile Dental Clinic’s purpose and future prospects. He underscored its potential in significantly enhancing oral healthcare accessibility, thus fulfilling a crucial need in the community.

The inauguration of the Mobile Dental Clinic signifies a significant step forward in addressing oral healthcare disparities and cultivating healthier smiles within remote communities. The Department of Public Health Dentistry at MCODS, Manipal, remains steadfast in its commitment to extending quality oral care services to all, irrespective of their geographical location.

The event witnessed the presence of Lt. Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor of MAHE; Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal; Col. Prakash Chandra, Director of General Services; Dr. Shashi Rashmi Acharya, Associate Dean of MCODS; heads of various departments; faculty members; and postgraduate students.