Vayosmitham
The oral health of older persons is a crucial aspect of their overall well-being and quality of life. As individuals age, they become more susceptible to various dental issues and oral health complications. To address these challenges and promote better oral health among older adults, we proposed organizing Oral Screening and Awareness Camps specifically tailored for this age group.
Our mission
Vayosmitham’s mission is to enhance the oral health of older adults by providing education, raising awareness, and offering preventive care. By engaging with the community, we strive to empower older individuals to prioritize oral hygiene, leading to improved overall health outcomes.
Our vision
Our vision is to create a community where older adults are educated about the importance of oral health and empowered to prioritize their oral hygiene. We envision a future where oral health screenings and awareness camps are accessible to all older individuals, leading to improved oral health outcomes and enhanced quality of life. Through Vayosmitham, we aim to promote a culture of preventive care and proactive oral health management among older adults.
Key Objectives
Oral Health Awareness: Increase awareness among older adults and their families about the importance of oral hygiene and its impact on overall health.
Preventive Care: Offer free oral screenings that can lead to early detection of dental problems and prevent further complications.
Education: Educate the elderly on maintaining good oral hygiene practices and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
Collaboration: Build partnerships with health professionals, dental associations, and community organizations to create a holistic support system for the oral health of older adults..
Partnership with the Association of Geriatric Dentistry (Pune)
Vayosmitham is proud to announce its partnership with the Association of Geriatric Dentistry, based in Pune, India. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in expanding the scope of the Vayosmitham initiative. Together, we aim to streamline the program’s activities and scale it to new heights by integrating academics, research, and development into our oral health services. This partnership will allow Vayosmitham to not only provide community health services but also contribute to the academic and research landscape in geriatric dentistry.
Program Impact
Launched on August 1, 2023, Vayosmitham has already made a significant impact in Kerala, with Oral Health Screening and Awareness Camps conducted in 9 districts at 12 different locations on Oral Hygiene Day. It was clubbed with State CDH Program ‘Vigil”- Screening for Oral Cancer. These camps have provided older adults with free screenings, educational resources, and early detection of oral health issues, significantly improving their quality of life.
Future Directions
With our collaboration with the Association of Geriatric Dentistry, we aim to upscale Vayosmitham by:
Expanding Oral Health Services: Scaling up the program to reach more older adults across India.
Academics & Research: Introducing academic courses and research opportunities in geriatric dentistry to address the specific needs of the elderly.
Innovative Solutions: Developing innovative oral care solutions, such as mobile dental clinics and tele-dentistry services, to improve accessibility for older adults in remote areas.
Get Involved
At Vayosmitham, we believe in the power of community and collaboration. Join us in our mission to improve oral health for older adults by participating in our camps, spreading awareness, or supporting our research and development efforts. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of older adults, ensuring they lead healthier, happier lives with the dignity they deserve.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Improved Oral Health Literacy and health practices.
Enhanced preventive care oral measures among older adults.
Empowered self care practices and habits leads to positive health
OUR TEAM
"Our interdisciplinary team is committed to promoting oral health and empowering the elderly to take charge of their dental well-being."The team ensuring their oral health and overall well-being are prioritized.
Dr Deepak J Kalarickal
CDH Chairman
IDA Kerala State
Dr Bindu V Bhaskar
Assistant Professor
Dept of Public health Dentistry Govt.Dental College Kottayam
Dr Arun Rao
Senior Lecturer,
Dept.of Public health dentistry,
Annoor Dental college & Hospital, Muvattupuzha
Dr Adarsh K Ramesh
Junior Resident
Dept of Public health Dentistry
Govt Dental College Kottayam
Dr Aswani
Junior Resident
Dept of Public health Dentistry,
Govt Dental College Kottayam
Our Associates
Council on Dental Health (CDH) wing of Indian Dental Association (IDA) – Kerala
CEDAC- MAGICS NGO
Association of Geriatric Dentistry (Pune)