Media Release
Mangalore, Oct 5: Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, the market leader in oral care, in association with the Indian Dental Association (IDA), has organized free public dental check-ups in the city throughout September-October as part of Oral Health Month 2010.
To avail of a free dental check-up, all one has to do is SMS his/her postal pin code to 5676725 for information on a dentist in their locality. The dentist details are provided as a reply to the SMS. They then need to make a call to the dentist for an appointment, and schedule their free dental check-up. People can also log on to www.oralhealthmonth.co.in to find a dentist at a convenient location. Detailed terms & conditions applicable for availing free dental check-ups are given on the OHM website.
A recent national Consumer Usage and Attitudes Survey (CUAS) conducted across the four geographic zones in India, comprising a total of 11,324 interviews by IMRB and sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, reveals that there is low level of awareness about basic oral care habits.
Rajesh Krishnamurthy, vice-president marketing, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited said, “In 2004 when the thought of OHM was conceptualized, we started with the support of 70 participating dentists. This year over 23,000 dentists are expected to pledge their support to make free public dental check-ups available in 1000 towns and cities in India. OHM wouldn’t have achieved great heights in last six years, if we didn’t have the relentless support of the IDA and the dental fraternity.
Dr Ashok Dhoble, secretary general, Indian Dental Association, said, “Brushing your teeth twice a day and visiting your dentist once every six months is where basic oral care begins. However a recent study has shown that Indians are negligent when it comes to oral health. Very few realise that neglecting oral health can affect the overall health. We have been pledging our whole hearted support to the Oral Health Month since its inception in 2004 and appreciate Colgate’s initiative championing the cause of oral health awareness in India.”