After 17,518 patients were found to be suffering from dental problems
during the special 1000 medical camps conducted by the Chennai
Corporation in November last year, the civic body has turned its focus
on  propagating dental hygiene. A series of special dental camps are
being conducted throughout the 15 zones till February 17.. The first
camp of the scheme which has been launched, as part of the Corporation’s
66 special scheme plan for CM’s birthday celebrations, was inaugurated
on Wednesday at T P Chatram in the city by the Minister of Social
Welfare P Valarmathy along with Chennai Mayor Saidai S Duraisamy and
Deputy Mayor P Benjamin.

Through the camps, the civic body aims to
reach a total of 6,600 individuals and provide dental care to them. On
the sidelines of the dental camp, the Corporation will also conduct an
awareness drive on tobacco chewing and mouth cancer, according to the
officials.     According to figures, a total of 2,570 patients were
found to be requiring immediate dental care with problems such as tooth
decay and root and gum problems. Apart from the general check up, the
patients will also be given tips on dental hygiene, according to the
officials.

Those screened and found to be requiring immediate
dental treatment and surgery will be directed to the 16 dental care
centres operated by the Corporation, 12 of which were opened last year,
they added.