AIIMS Bhopal has completed a landmark Oral Health Survey in Madhya Pradesh, revealing the real burden of dental and oral diseases across the state. The findings have been published in the prestigious World Health Organization (WHO) Journal for Public Health from the South-East Asia Region. Oral diseases affect more than just teeth—they impact eating, chewing, speaking, and daily activities, thereby reducing quality of life. Madhya Pradesh, with a population of over 75 million, has long faced serious oral health challenges. The last large survey was conducted in 2002–03 and is now two decades outdated. To fill this gap, the team from the Department of Dentistry, AIIMS Bhopal, conducted a survey in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Madhya Pradesh. The team also included the nodal officer of the Regional Training Centre for Oral Health Promotion and Dental Public Health. The survey covered nearly 48,000 people from both urban and rural areas across 41 districts, studying children, adults, and elderly people as per WHO-recommended age groups.

The results show high prevalence of dental caries (40–70%), gum disease (50–87%), and precancerous lesions (2–17%) across different sections of the population. Alarmingly, dental caries was seen in over 70% of the elderly and in nearly half of 5-year-old children, highlighting the urgent need for preventive care. Alongside disease mapping, AIIMS Bhopal has created India’s first Oral Health Data Bank for Madhya Pradesh, modeled on WHO’s global initiative. This provides district-wise, up-to-date data on oral health and dental services, which will help the government and policymakers plan effective programs. The survey also used innovative digital tools like a mobile application for monitoring and GPS-based tracking of survey sites, ensuring transparency and accuracy. For the people of Madhya Pradesh, this survey means that oral health challenges are now scientifically documented, paving the way for stronger public health policies, better awareness campaigns, and improved access to treatment. With the establishment of the Regional Training Centre at AIIMS Bhopal, doctors, teachers, and counselors are being trained in oral health promotion and disease prevention, ensuring that benefits reach the community directly.

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