The department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, VSPM Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, celebrated the occasion of Children’s day (week) / Pedodontist day from 14^th November to 14^th December 2020 under the guidance of Dr. Devendra Nagpal, Professor and Head.  Various events/activities were organized for awareness of oral health of children.

1. Drawing Competition

A drawing competition was conducted on 14^th November 2020for 6-10 year old children. The topics for competition were “My Pediatric Dentist” and “Healthy Teeth”. All participants were informed about the rules of the competition prior and were asked to submit their drawings online through Whatsapp on 14^th November 2020. Among all the participant children first 3 winners were declared on 15^thNovember 2020 and were given certificates. Also, participation certificates were given to all the other participants. All children enjoyed the Virtual Children’s Day drawing Competition.

2. Webinar on “Oral health care of children” for parents

The department conducted a webinar on topic “Oral health care of children” for parents on Zoom and Facebook on 18^th November 2020 having two sessions. The 1^st lecture was on topic “Covid-19 and Oral Health care of Children” by Dr. Gagandeep Lamba, Associate Professor. She emphasized on the importance of home care in Covid-19 pandemic situation. The second lecture was on topic “Know your Pediatric Dentist” by Dr. Kavita Hotwani, Assistant Professor, who highlighted the importance of pediatric dentist for providing quality dental care to children.

3. Awareness lectures for parents coming to Anganwadi centres

Awareness lectures were conducted on 6^th December 2020 for parents coming to anganwadi centres at Hingna, Nagpur. Dr. Sargam Sortey, Assistant Professor, took a lecture on “Oral health care of children” in which she emphasized on how parents play a major role in taking care of their child’s oral health since birth and demonstrated proper brushing and flossing techniques. The second lecture conducted by Dr. Prabhat Singh, Assistant Professor, was on various treatment modalities in pediatric dentistry for common problems like caries and premature loss of primary teeth.

4. Awareness lectures for Anganwadi workers

Awareness lectures for anganwadi workers were conducted on 10^th December 2020 at anganwadi centres, Hingna, Nagpur. The post graduate students, Dr. Parag Dhake and Dr. Dharanshi Amlani conducted lectures on “Anticipatory guidance”. The Anganwadi workers being the primary persons to come in contact with the expecting mothers and parents, the lectures proved to be beneficial in creating awareness and educating them about oral health care strategies in infants and children.

5. Quiz for Final BDS students

An online quiz on Zoom was conducted for final BDS students by Dr. Prabhat Singh, Assistant Professor, on 12^th December 2020. Four teams having two students each participated for the quiz. There were three rounds in the quiz, the questions of which were based on the questions emphasizing the importance of pediatric and Preventive Dentistry. The winning team was given certificates online and the rest of the teams were given participation certificates.

6. Survey : Knowledge of parents regarding oral health of children

A questionnaire survey has been started in the department OPD to evaluate knowledge of parents regarding oral health of children. The parents coming to the department for their child’s first dental visit are being considered for the survey. The questionnaire consists of 15 questions evaluating their knowledge on the importance of oral health in infants and children, feeding habits of infants and eating habits of children, first dental visit, dental caries and traumatic injuries. The survey is followed by a brief discussion with parents based on the questions of the survey.

7. Video on ‘Promotion of Pediatric Dentistry in General Public’

A video for promoting pediatric dentistry in general public was made by the post graduate students of the department. The video focused on imparting knowledge on importance of oral health in children, importance of a pediatric dentist and treatment modalities