GDCH, Mumbai: TRAINING PROGRAM ON ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION FOR THE SPECIALLY ABLED

Title of Session: “Inclusive Oral Health Education: Tailored Communication Strategies for Special Care Individuals”

Date: 04 April 2026

Venue: Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai

Format: PowerPoint Presentation with Interactive Session

Organized by: Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai

Target Audience: 120+ Dental Students 

Rationale

Special care individuals often face significant barriers in accessing and understanding oral health information due to cognitive, sensory, or physical limitations. Delivering effective oral health education to these groups requires adaptive, patient-centred communication strategies. This session was designed to sensitize and train dental interns in delivering inclusive and accessible oral health education.

Aim

To equip dental interns with practical knowledge and skills to deliver customized oral health education to individuals with special healthcare needs.

Objectives

• To understand the challenges faced by special care individuals in maintaining oral health 
• To identify appropriate communication and teaching modalities for different disabilities 
• To enhance empathy and patient-centred care approaches 
• To promote inclusive dental practices 

Session Highlights (PPT-Based Lecture Content)

The session was delivered using a visually engaging PowerPoint presentation incorporating images, case scenarios, and demonstration-based learning.

1. Introduction to Special Care Dentistry

• Definition and scope 
• Importance of inclusive oral healthcare 
• Role of dental professionals in reducing disparities 

2. Oral Health Education for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

• Use of simple language and short instructions 
• Demonstration using Tell-Show-Do technique 
• Visual aids such as pictorial charts and models 
• Repetition and positive reinforcement 
• Involvement of caregivers 

3. Education Modalities for Visually Impaired Individuals

• Emphasis on verbal communication and tactile learning 
• Use of Braille materials and audio aids 
• Hands-on demonstration (guiding hand technique) 
• Descriptive explanation of oral hygiene practices 

4. Education for Hearing-Impaired Individuals

• Use of sign language interpreters where possible 
• Visual demonstrations and videos with subtitles 
• Written instructions and cue cards 
• Use of gestures, facial expressions, and visual charts 

5. Education for Physically Challenged Individuals

• Assessment of individual limitations 
• Modified toothbrushes and adaptive aids 
• Demonstration of assisted brushing techniques 
• Ergonomic positioning and accessibility considerations 

Interactive Learning Component

The session included an engaging interactive segment where interns:

• Participated in role-play scenarios simulating communication with special care patients 
• Practiced Tell-Show-Do techniques using models 
• Engaged in case-based discussions to identify appropriate education strategies 
• Shared reflections on challenges and solutions in real-life settings 

Outcome & Impact

• Improved understanding of disability-specific communication strategies 
• Enhanced confidence in handling special care patients 
• Development of empathy and patient-centred approach 
• Better preparedness to deliver inclusive oral health education in clinical practice 

Conclusion

The session successfully emphasized the importance of equity in oral healthcare by training interns in adaptable education modalities. It reinforced the need for dental professionals to move beyond conventional approaches and adopt inclusive, innovative, and compassionate communication strategies.