Denta expands school-wide ‘Wadena Sinahawata Dental Sathkaraya’ campaign

 Denta, has announced the growing success of its ‘Wadena Sinahawata Dental Sathkaraya.’

With a mission to raise awareness on the importance of oral health, Denta is committed to providing essential dental care to students between the ages of 8 and 14 (Grade 3 to Grade 8), empowering them with the tools and knowledge for lifelong dental hygiene. The primary reason for focusing on pre-teens aged 8 to 14 is that this is when permanent teeth start to emerge. Instilling strong oral hygiene habits at this stage is vital for ensuring a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Darley Butler & Company Ltd., Personal Care CEO Ghaffar Ghouse said: “We believe that a healthy smile can change lives and by reaching out to Sri Lanka’s younger generation, we are building a foundation of lifelong oral health. Our commitment goes beyond just providing free dental check-ups – we are empowering children with knowledge, tools, and a sense of responsibility for both their health and the environment.”

First launched in August 2023, the initiative has already reached 172 schools, with 135 in the Western Province and 37 in Anuradhapura, benefiting over 105,892 students. 

Wadena Sinahawata Dental Sathkaraya project includes a series of activities designed to engage students in meaningful and practical ways to promote better oral hygiene. The key activities of the campaign include provision of free dental check-ups leveraging temporary dental clinics are set up at each school, and staffed by qualified government dental surgeons. 

Students receive free dental check-ups, including oral examinations and advice on preventive care. Following the check-up, dental professionals provide a class-by-class summary to school authorities, helping teachers- in- charge understand the oral health status of their students.

Parallel to the check-ups, Denta also conducts oral health awareness sessions to deliver engaging and interactive sessions that teach students about the significance of oral hygiene, common dental issues, and preventive measures. 

Denta also distributes oral care kits, so that each student receives a free Denta Teen Tooth Brush, specifically designed to the unique needs of growing teenagers, while reinforcing the importance of oral health and instilling good dental habits from an early age. The Denta Teen Toothbrush, Sri Lanka’s first toothbrush designed specifically for teenagers, addresses the unique dental needs of pre-teens for a growing teen smile. As a part of Denta’s commitment to sustainability, used toothbrushes are also collected from students and responsibly disposed through an environmentally friendly recycling process. This initiative not only promotes oral health but also addresses the issue of plastic waste, contributing to a cleaner and greener future. To date, Denta has successfully collected over 22,000 used toothbrushes for recycling.

Denta Brand Manager Shehani Martinus said: “While many adults have experienced the negative consequences of poor oral health, we are only now starting to appreciate the links between effective oral hygiene and overall health and wellbeing. Especially when these habits are taught to children at a young age, they can have the best impact over the course of their lives. That is why we are proud to continue this remarkable initiative, and help empower smiles across Sri Lanka.” 

With support from the Ministries of Health and Education and the dedication of dental professionals across the country, Denta plans to make a lasting impact on the younger generation. As the program continues to grow, Denta remains focused on its goal of providing every child with the opportunity to learn, care for their surroundings while embracing the power of a healthy smile.