Vayosmitham
The oral health of older persons is a crucial aspect of their overall well-being and quality of life. As individuals age, they become more susceptible to various dental issues and oral health complications. To address these challenges and promote better oral health among older adults, we proposed organizing Oral Screening and Awareness Camps specifically tailored for this age group.
Vayosmitham is a pioneering initiative aimed at improving the oral health and overall well-being of older adults. Launched by CEDAC (Center of Excellence for Developing Age-Friendly Communities), this project is dedicated to promoting awareness, preventive care, and early detection of oral health issues among the aging population. As oral health plays a critical role in the quality of life and overall health of older persons, Vayosmitham focuses on providing comprehensive oral health screenings, education, and community-based outreach activities
Mission
Vayosmitham’s mission is to enhance the oral health of older adults by providing education, raising awareness, and offering preventive care. By engaging with the community, we strive to empower older individuals to prioritize oral hygiene, leading to improved overall health outcomes.
Vision
Our vision is to create an age-friendly society where oral health is a priority for older adults, ensuring they can maintain their health, dignity, and quality of life. Vayosmitham envisions accessible oral health screenings and awareness programs for all, contributing to healthier and more empowered older populations.
Get Involved
At Vayosmitham, we believe in the power of community and collaboration. Join us in our mission to improve oral health for older adults by participating in our camps, spreading awareness, or supporting our research and development efforts. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of older adults, ensuring they lead healthier, happier lives with the dignity they deserve.
The program has been implemented in 9 Districts across the State at 12 different locations on August 1st 2023 on Oral hygiene day. It was clubbed with State CDH Program ‘Vigil”- Screening for Oral Cancer
- Community based Oral & Dental screening and hygiene promotion
- Home Based Dental and oral care for Bed Bound / Palliative care
- Develop guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures for Dental clinics to be Age-Friendly
Launched on August 1, 2023, Vayosmitham has already made a significant impact in Kerala, with Oral Health Screening and Awareness Camps conducted in 9 districts at 12 different locations on Oral Hygiene Day. It was clubbed with State CDH Program ‘Vigil”- Screening for Oral Cancer.These camps have provided older adults with free screenings, educational resources, and early detection of oral health issues, significantly improving their quality of life.
Future Directions
With our collaboration with the Association of Geriatric Dentistry, we aim to upscale Vayosmitham by:
- Expanding Oral Health Services: Scaling up the program to reach more older adults across India.
- Academics & Research: Introducing academic courses and research opportunities in geriatric dentistry to address the specific needs of the elderly.
- Innovative Solutions: Developing innovative oral care solutions, such as mobile dental clinics and tele-dentistry services, to improve accessibility for older adults in remote areas.
- Oral Health Awareness: Increase awareness among older adults and their families about the importance of oral hygiene and its impact on overall health.
- Preventive Care: Offer free oral screenings that can lead to early detection of dental problems and prevent further complications.
- Education: Educate the elderly on maintaining good oral hygiene practices and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
- Collaboration: Build partnerships with health professionals, dental associations, and community organizations to create a holistic support system for the oral health of older adults.