KIDS Marks National Periodontist Day with Free Health Awareness Camp

February 23, 2026 | Department of Periodontics & Implantology, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS), Bhubaneswar

On February 23, 2026, the Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS) observed National Periodontist Day at its Department of Periodontics & Implantology. The day was marked not just with formalities, but with something far more meaningful — a free health awareness program that brought real benefit to patients visiting the OPD.

It was a fitting way to honour a specialty that often goes unnoticed, even though the problems it deals with affect a large number of people across India every single day.

What Is Periodontal Disease and Why Does It Matter?

Periodontal disease affects the gums and the structures that hold your teeth in place. Most people are familiar with gum problems — bleeding while brushing, swollen gums, or teeth that feel loose — but many don’t realise how serious these issues can become if left untreated.

What makes periodontal disease particularly concerning is its connection to other health conditions. Research has shown strong links between gum disease and systemic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. In other words, poor gum health doesn’t just affect your mouth — it can affect your whole body.

In India, where the burden of both dental and systemic diseases is already significant, this connection makes periodontal care even more important. Early diagnosis and timely treatment by a trained periodontist can make a real difference — not just for individual patients, but for public health as a whole.

What Happened on the Day

The Department of Periodontics & Implantology at Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS) organized a free periodontal health awareness program for patients. The initiative was held under the guidance of Director Dr. Jugajyoti Pathi, Principal Prof. (Dr.) Sangamesh NC, and Head of the Department Prof. (Dr.) Md. Jalaluddin.

Patients who came to the OPD were educated about what periodontal disease is, how to spot early warning signs, and the steps they can take to maintain healthy gums. The team also walked them through the treatment options available, making sure people left with a clear understanding of what help is out there.

Free oral health kits were distributed to patients as well — a small but practical gesture that went a long way in encouraging people to take their gum health seriously at home.

Nearly Two Decades of Periodontal Care at KIDS

The Department of Periodontics & Implantology at Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS) has been active since 2007. Over the past nearly two decades, it has treated thousands of patients — from routine gum care to advanced implantology procedures.

That kind of consistent, long-term commitment to patient care doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects an institution-wide belief that good oral health is not a privilege, but something every patient deserves access to, regardless of their background or financial situation.

Care That Goes Beyond the Clinic

At Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS), the approach to oral health has always been bigger than just treating the patient in front of you. The institute operates with a wider purpose — to improve oral health awareness across India and to make high-quality dental care accessible to all.

This vision is rooted in the guiding principles of Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta, the founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, whose life’s work has been driven by a commitment to education, health, and service. At KIDS, that spirit comes through in the way every department functions — combining global standards of care with an understanding of local realities and affordability.

National Periodontist Day was a reminder of exactly that. It wasn’t a grand event with fanfare. It was a department quietly showing up for its patients, offering education, free resources, and genuine care. And sometimes, that’s the most powerful statement an institution can make.

Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS) | Bhubaneswar, Odisha