CASK 
On 17 July 2026, CASK organised an Oral Dental Hygiene Program for the students of St. Agnes Higher Primary School. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and to teach practical techniques for daily dental care. The school’s headmistress, Mrs. Philomena Menezes, formally welcomed the dignitaries, staff, and students, underlining the significance of such educational initiatives in shaping lifelong healthy habits among children.
The program was inaugurated by the chief guest, Mr. Ronald Gomes, President of CASK, who addressed the assembly with an encouraging message. Mr. Gomes emphasized that good oral hygiene contributes not only to a healthy smile but also to overall well-being, confidence, and school performance. He urged students to adopt regular brushing and flossing routines and to seek help from teachers and parents in maintaining these habits. His remarks set a positive tone for the session and highlighted the organisation’s commitment to community health education.
Following the inauguration, Dr. Ashwini Colaco, Professor at AJ Shetty Dental Sciences, took the floor as the resource person for the day. Dr. Colaco delivered an engaging, age-appropriate talk on dental hygiene, explaining common dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay in simple language. She linked these issues to everyday factors like sugar intake, irregular brushing, and poor diet,to make the concepts relatable for young students. Emphasis was placed on preventive care: brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and visiting a dentist regularly.
To reinforce the talk, Dr. Colaco demonstrated the correct brushing technique using a model and a large toothbrush. Her demonstration covered the recommended two-minute brushing duration, the gentle circular motion for cleaning tooth surfaces, and careful brushing along the gum line to remove plaque. She also explained the importance of replacing toothbrushes every three months or sooner if bristles fray. The interactive demonstration included questions from attentive students, which Dr. Colaco answered patiently, further clarifying practices such as rinsing versus spitting and the safe use of mouthwash for older children.
The school management expressed gratitude to CASK for arranging the program. Special thanks were extended to Mrs. Marjorie Texeira, Vice President of CASK, whose efforts in coordinating the event helped ensure smooth logistics and broad student participation. The collaboration between the school and CASK showcased an effective model for community outreach where educational institutions and non-profit organisations join hands to promote health education.
To conclude the session on a practical note, every student was presented with a dental care kit containing a toothbrush and toothpaste. The distribution of these essential items was designed to encourage immediate application of the techniques taught and to reinforce daily oral care habits at home. The event closed with a brief interactive segment where students pledged to follow proper brushing routines and share the knowledge with family members.
Overall, the Oral Dental Hygiene Program at St. Agnes Higher Primary School successfully combined informative instruction, practical demonstration, and tangible support. By equipping students with knowledge and basic dental tools, CASK and the school have taken a meaningful step toward fostering better oral health habits that can yield long-term benefits for the children and the wider community.
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