Public Health Dentistry

Mandasmitham 1.0 Launch

Mandasmitham- The Village Adoption Project

’MANDHASMITHAM’- First Ever Village Adoption Program by a Dental College in Kerala was inaugurated at Malabar Dental College and Research Centre in Association with Ponnani Block Panchayat and ICDS Ponnani on 22nd February 2023. The project was Inaugurated by Shri. C Ramakrishnan ( President,Ponnani block panchayat). Presidential address was given by Dr. C P Alibava Haji ( Chairman,Malabar Dental College and Research Centre). The college aims to implement Dental Disease Control, Awareness of Dental Hygiene Habits, to collect data and analyse the Dental Health Status of people in Ponnani Block Panchayat. Project is outlined by Dr Abdul Saheer (Project Coordinator Mandhasmitham, Reader and Head ,Department of Public Health Dentistry, Malabar Dental College and Research Centre). Action plan document was released by Mr. Thufail CP (Vice Chairman, Malabar Dental College and Research Centre). 'NARUPUNCHIRI’ logo launch was done by Mrs.Sameera Ali Bava Haji (Vice chairperson , Malabar dental college and research centre). Ponnani Block Panchayat members felicitated the event followed by Vote of Thanks by Mrs Praveena Raja (Academic Director ,Malabar Academic City ).

Completion of Phase 1 - Narupunchiri

Completion of Narupunchiri Anganwadi Camp Series initial phase

In a groundbreaking achievement, the Narupunchiri Anganwadi camp series has successfully concluded its initial phase on 28th February 2025 marking the completion of a 2 year journey. This pioneering initiative, undertaken as part of the Mandasmitham village adoption plan, was launched in February 2023.

In a remarkable feat, the camp series reached out to 1424 anganwadi children, spanning across 121 anganwadis in four grama panchayats- Edappal, Vattamkulam, Thavanur, and Kaladi - within the Ponnani Block Panchayat.

This comprehensive outreach program not only promoted awareness about oral health but also provided a platform for early detection and prevention of oral diseases among children and their parents.

Notably, it is the first-ever village adoption initiative undertaken by a private Dental College of Kerala in collaboration with a government entity.

"The program was spearheaded by Dr. Abdul Saheer, Head of Department, along with Dr. Nikitha Mohan, Senior Lecturer, and Dr. Helna Siddique, Lecturer. The Department of Pedodontics also played an active role in the program, contributing to its success.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our former staff members, Dr. Aparna, Dr. Mannah Mathai, Dr. Anjana, and former Camp Coordinator, Amina Sumayya, for their invaluable contributions to the completion of Phase 1 of the Mandasmitham village adoption initiative. Their dedication and efforts have been instrumental in making this project a reality."

Mandasmitham 2.0 Launch

Mandasmitham 2.0 Inaugurated at Perumpadapp: Expanding Dental Outreach for Rural Communities

Malabar Dental College's Department of Public Health Dentistry launched the award-winning "Mandasmitham 2.0" program on September 27, 2025, in Perumpadapp Block, marking the second phase of the college's village adoption initiative. Ponnani MLA Nandakumar inaugurated the program, which builds on the success of Mandasmitham 1.0, implemented in Ponnani Block Panchayat from 2023-2025. College Principal Dr. Pradeep Kumar C welcomed the gathering, with Malabar Academic City Chairman DR. C P Ali Bava Hajji as the chief guest and Perumpadapp Block President Adv. E S Sindhu presiding.

Project Coordinator Dr. Abdul Saheer, Head of the Department of Public Health Dentistry, provided an overview of the project, highlighting its recognition as a "Good Practice in Community Outreach" award recipient from the Kerala Government in 2025. Mandasmitham is a pioneering model for village adoption programs in dentistry through public-private partnerships.

The event featured the unveiling of logos for Anganwadi-centered camps (Narupunchiri 2.0) and included speeches from notable attendees such as Veliancode Panchayat President Shamsu Kalathil, Block Secretary Varghese, Block Member Ajayan, and Health Education Standing Committee Councilor Sayeed Puzhakara. Dr. Fathimath Zahra, Associate Dean of the Dental College, delivered the vote of thanks. Additionally, Dr. Divya from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry conducted awareness classes and training for Anganwadi workers.

Mandasmitham - Best Innovation Award

Malabar Dental College’s groundbreaking initiative MANDASMITHAM – a unique village adoption project led by IQAC & the Department of Public Health Dentistry – has been honored with the “Best Innovation in Community Outreach” Award by the Kerala Government.

This is a historic achievement, marking India’s first-of-its-kind innovation by a private dental college in collaboration with a government entity.

Adding to the pride, the project’s inspiring video was showcased at the prestigious SKILL KERALA GLOBAL SUMMIT ON SKILLS & INNOVATION, organized by K-DISC in Kochi (August 29–30) – highlighting our commitment to creating healthier and empowered communities.