Preventive Dentalcare in Tribal village of India
Location: Villages in Mokhada, India
Global Partner: The Gabriel Foundation
Local Partner: Grameen First Foundation, Mumbai
Project year 2025
Preventive Dental Care Reaches Tribal Villages in Mokhada
In collaboration with the Sumar Lakhani Foundation, The Gabriel Project Mumbai, and the Grameen First Foundation of Mumbai, Dr. Dilshad Sumar, a pediatric dentist with over 40 years of experience in the USA, recently traveled to the remote tribal villages of Mokhada, India. The Mokhada region, home to approximately 150,000 people—93% of whom are members of “Scheduled Tribes” such as the Katkari—faces severe challenges in accessing basic healthcare, especially dental services, which are almost non-existent. Isolated by geography and burdened by historical marginalization, many children in Mokhada had never been examined by a dentist before this visit.
A Focus on Prevention and Education
During the visit, Dr. Sumar partnered with the Grameen First Foundation’s medical team as well as the school teachers to provide preventive dental care to schoolchildren in Mokhada. Over 2.5 days, approximately 180 children from local schools were screened and treated. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) was applied to halt the progression of cavities, and fluoride varnish was used to strengthen teeth. The team also delivered oral hygiene education, demonstrating proper brushing techniques, and distributed toothbrushes and toothpaste to each child. Teachers were trained to help reinforce these habits long after the visit.
Building Lasting Impact
Beyond the dental treatments, the project emphasized sustainable health education. Children learned about the importance of daily brushing, the dangers of excessive sugary food and soda, and the value of seeking early dental care if possible. The initiative not only addressed immediate dental needs but also planted the seeds for better long-term oral health. With strong partnerships between Dr. Dilshad Sumar, the Sumar Lakhani Foundation, Gabriel Project Mumbai, the Grameen First Foundation, and local schools of Mokhada, this project demonstrated how targeted outreach can make a lasting impact in underserved communities.
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Impact Summary
• Children screened & treated: ~180
• Project duration: 2.5 days
• Partners involved: Dr. Dilshad Sumar, Sumar Lakhani Foundation, Gabriel Project Mumbai, Grameen First Foundation, schools of Mokhada
• Treatments provided: Silver Diamine Fluoride application, fluoride varnish, oral hygiene education
• Supplies distributed: Toothbrush & toothpaste kits for every child
