Dental Project in Chitrakoot
by Dr Naresh Sharma

It was during my first visit to Chitrakoot in April 1998 that Nanaji Desmukh asked me to look at the feasibility of setting up a Dental Unit in Arogyadham. The Nearest big town Allahabad is four hours away by car. Chitrakoot has no Dental facilities whatsoever. Dental equipment is high tech and it seemed a daunting task to set up a dental surgery in such a remote part of India. I promised Nanaji that I would look into it. Initially I had thoughts of purchasing second hand equipment in the UK and shipping it across. But first it was important to find out what sort of dental problems existed in the 500 villages around Chitrakoot.

Two of my Vocational Dental Practitioners from the University of Leeds, Neema Naik and Louise Lilly volunteered to go to Chitrakoot and carry out a dental survey in August 1998. The survey was designed by Professor Monty Duggal and involved around 100

Naresh Sharma showing Nanaji the new Dental Setup
Dr Sharma with Nanaji

One of the two new identical Surgeries
residents from the villages. Surprisingly the survey showed a high level of tooth decay amongst the population, particularly in children. We also know from previous data that there is a high level of gum disease and oral cancer in India. Tobacco and Paan chewing is prevalent in this part of India and is known to be a major factor in Oral Cancer.

Through contacts in the Dental Manufacturing Industry a German company Kavo let us have equipment for two surgeries at less than cost price. I also spoke to the Anglo-Indian Odontological group from the UK who agreed not only to pay for one of the two surgeries but to fund ongoing costs.

High Profile

The Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee was due to visit the project. Unfortunately the PM was unable to travel to Chitrakoot due to ill health. However he kindly invited the entire UK team to his residence in Delhi, where we had the opportunity to meet him and acquaint him with the Chitrakoot Project.
The Dental Director Naresh Sharma and wife Shashi with the PM
Dr and Mrs Sharma with the Indian PM

Future Plans

The second phase that is being planned will include a Mobile Dental Unit that will go around the villages and schools to provide Primary Dental Care. This will include screening for Oral Cancer and pre-malignant lesions and promote Oral Health Care in schools. The British Dental Health Foundation is helping with this phase.
The third phase will be the setting up of a Dental Laboratory to make dentures and simple prosthesis.

Prof Duggal (University of Leeds) with Nanaji in the dental chair

The fourth phase will be the provision of Maxillo-facial surgery at the Hospital. This is dependent on the construction of an operating theatre which is still two years away.
I know that other health projects are planned for Chitrakoot. I am proud that the dental side has taken the lead and shown what can be done.
A panoramic view of the hospital complex
A panoramic view of the medical and dental departments at the Chitrakoot complex