Bhopal: AIIMS Bhopal has completed a large-scale oral health survey in Madhya Pradesh, offering the most detailed picture of dental and oral diseases in the state in more than two decades. The findings, now published in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Journal for Public Health from the South-East Asia Region, highlight the scale of oral health problems and their impact on daily life.

Madhya Pradesh, home to over 75 million people, has long faced significant oral health concerns. The last major survey took place in 2002–03. To bridge this gap, the Department of Dentistry at AIIMS Bhopal, in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services, surveyed nearly 48,000 people from 41 districts, covering urban and rural populations and spanning children, adults, and the elderly.

The results show high prevalence of dental caries (40 to 70 percent), gum disease (50 to 87 percent), and precancerous lesions (2 to 17 percent). More than 70 percent of elderly people and nearly half of 5-year-old children were found to have dental caries, pointing to a pressing need for preventive care and better access to treatment.

In addition to mapping diseases, AIIMS Bhopal has created India’s first Oral Health Data Bank for Madhya Pradesh, modeled on WHO’s global initiative. The digital platform compiles district-wise, up-to-date information on oral health and dental services to aid government planning and policymaking.

The survey also introduced new digital tools, including a mobile app for monitoring and GPS-based tracking of survey sites, to ensure accuracy and transparency. Alongside data collection, AIIMS Bhopal has established a Regional Training Centre for Oral Health Promotion and Dental Public Health, where doctors, teachers, and counselors are being trained in prevention and community outreach.

For Madhya Pradesh, the survey provides scientific evidence that can drive stronger health policies, awareness campaigns, and improved oral care services, addressing a long-standing public health challenge.

BI Bureau