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.