~IDA-Backed Drive Offers ₹6L Cash Prizes and Early Disease Detection~
Bengaluru : Dental professionals in collaboration with Indian Dental Association (IDA), the Government of Karnataka, Indian Prosthodontic Society (IPS), and Rotary Bangalore Social Club, have launched Ssmileathon, a statewide oral health awareness program and smile competition. This pioneering statewide program merges oral health awareness with Karnataka’s largest smile contest, mandating free screenings at IDA-affiliated clinics for over 1 lakh participants.
Ssmileathon is envisioned as a movement to make oral health an integral part of everyday conversations, encouraging people across Karnataka to smile healthier and live better.
Speaking on the launch, Dr. Aksshay M. Shetty, Organizing Chairman of Ssmileathon, said, “Ssmileathon motivates youth for genuine oral health steps past mere awareness. Modern youngsters focus on wellness beauty routines but overlook oral hygiene leaving them vulnerable to lasting health problems from skipped dental screenings. Our smile contest mandates a free dental screening for every participant driving early detection, statewide awareness, and instill lifelong wellness routines.”
New national data reveals that 90 per cent of Indians suffer from dental problems, yet only nine per cent visit dentists regularly, highlighting a critical awareness gap, particularly among the 15–30 age group. Conditions like periodontitis allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, increasing risks for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and inflammatory disorders, while poor oral hygiene further undermines self-esteem, academic success, and social confidence.
The contest welcomes men and women aged 18–29 years, as well as women aged 30–45 years. Participants follow a simple, multi-stage process that begins with a free online registration via the official website, continues with mandatory free oral health screenings at partnered clinics, and includes digital engagement through photo uploads and public voting on social media platforms. The contest advances through pre-finale auditions selecting the top 500 contestants and culminates in a grand finale for the top 32 on March 1, 2026, at Palace Grounds, Bengaluru, offering up to ₹6 lakhs in cash prizes, grooming kits, and dental packages in a vibrant community showcase.
By extending conversations about oral hygiene beyond clinics into colleges, neighborhoods, workplaces and digital platforms, the initiative underscores the importance of the often-overlooked yet critical connection between oral health and overall well-being.
Rotary Bangalore Social Club bolsters the initiative with robust community outreach and networks, directing part of the event proceeds to give back to society.
