SGTU’s Faculty of Dental Sciences Conducts Awareness Campaign Across 20 Villages

Gurugram: With the objective of promoting health awareness, education and holistic well-being in rural areas, the Faculty of Dental Sciences, SGT University, has launched the ‘Grameen Jan Saksharta Abhiyan – Viksit Bharat Ki Neev’. Through this initiative, the University has further strengthened its commitment to nation-building and the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Launched in July 2026, the campaign has seen faculty members and dental students visit around 20 villages, where they conducted interactive health awareness sessions with rural communities. The sessions covered a wide range of issues, including nutrition, physical fitness, mental health, personal hygiene, environmental awareness, women’s health, child health, elderly care, road safety, sanitation, financial literacy, cyber security, disaster management, healthy daily habits, preventive healthcare, balanced diet, general health awareness and prevention of anaemia.

As part of the campaign, a structured survey questionnaire was also developed to assess the health awareness, knowledge and practices of rural residents. The survey covered aspects such as general health status, healthcare-seeking behaviour, oral hygiene practices, awareness and use of tobacco, sources of health-related information, and interest in health education.

According to the preliminary survey findings, around 48 per cent of respondents reported undergoing regular health check-ups, while 42 per cent said they brushed their teeth twice a day. Nearly 65 per cent of respondents were found to use a toothbrush and toothpaste for dental cleaning. Awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use was found among approximately 73 per cent of the respondents, while around 27 per cent were reported to be current tobacco users. Nearly 69 per cent of rural residents were aware that good oral hygiene helps prevent dental diseases.

The survey findings also highlighted the need to further strengthen health literacy in rural communities. Only around 24 per cent of respondents identified doctors or dentists as their primary source of health-related information, while 52 per cent expressed interest in receiving more information on oral health. In addition, 43 per cent showed interest in nutrition-related awareness, while 39 per cent expressed interest in awareness about diabetes and hypertension.

Based on these findings, the upcoming phases of the campaign will place special emphasis on oral health education and screening, tobacco cessation counselling, nutrition awareness, awareness and screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), promotion of personal hygiene, and strengthening health communication through community health workers and digital platforms.

Periodic follow-up surveys will also be conducted to assess changes in the health-related knowledge and practices of rural residents. This will help evaluate the effectiveness of health interventions at the village level and facilitate more effective planning of future community health initiatives.

Through the ‘Grameen Jan Saksharta Abhiyan – Viksit Bharat Ki Neev’, SGT University’s Faculty of Dental Sciences is contributing to the creation of healthier and more informed rural communities while reinforcing its commitment to community engagement and the broader vision of a developed India.