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Colgate Partners with Haryana to Improve Oral Health for Millions of Children

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/02 .. mprove-oral-health-for-millions-of-children.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 6:38 GMT by ThePrint
      Locale: INDIA

Chandigarh, Haryana - February 23, 2026 - Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited and the Haryana state government today announced a landmark partnership aimed at dramatically improving oral health education and access to care for approximately 5.7 million schoolchildren across Haryana. The initiative, an expansion of Colgate's established 'Bright Smiles, Bright Futures' program, signals a growing focus on preventative dental care within India's public health infrastructure.

The collaboration will see Colgate and Haryana's education and health departments jointly implement a comprehensive program encompassing oral health screenings, tailored educational sessions, and the provision of essential oral care products - including toothbrushes and toothpaste - directly to students in government schools throughout the state. The program is slated to begin immediately, with phased rollouts planned to ensure effective implementation and monitoring.

Arvind Subramanian, Managing Director of Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, emphasized the company's commitment to oral health as a fundamental component of overall well-being. "We are deeply pleased to collaborate with the Haryana government on this vital initiative. 'Bright Smiles, Bright Futures' isn't merely about distributing products; it's about empowering children with the knowledge and habits to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life," Subramanian stated. "Reaching over 57 lakh children in Haryana represents a significant step towards achieving our broader goal of improving oral health across India."

Colgate's 'Bright Smiles, Bright Futures' program boasts a considerable track record, having already positively impacted the oral health of over 13 million children nationwide. This expansion into Haryana marks one of the largest single-state deployments of the program to date, highlighting the state government's prioritization of preventative healthcare.

Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal welcomed the partnership, recognizing its potential to address a critical public health need. "Oral health often gets overlooked, particularly amongst children. This initiative from Colgate will be instrumental in raising awareness about proper oral hygiene practices and fostering a culture of preventative care within our schools," Kaushal explained. "We believe this collaboration will significantly contribute to the long-term health and well-being of our students, and we commend Colgate for their commitment to social responsibility."

The Growing Burden of Oral Disease in India & the Focus on Prevention

The partnership arrives at a crucial time. Dental caries (tooth decay) remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases globally, and India is no exception. Data from the National Oral Health Survey indicates a high prevalence of dental caries among schoolchildren, impacting not only their quality of life but also their ability to learn and concentrate. Poor oral health can lead to pain, infection, difficulty eating and speaking, and even systemic health problems.

Traditionally, dental care in India has been largely reactive, focusing on treatment rather than prevention. This new initiative, however, aligns with a growing national emphasis on preventative healthcare measures. By educating children about brushing techniques, healthy dietary choices, and the importance of regular dental check-ups, the program aims to instill lifelong habits that will reduce the incidence of dental disease.

Program Details and Future Expansion

The 'Bright Smiles, Bright Futures' program in Haryana will go beyond simple product distribution. Trained dental professionals and educators will conduct interactive sessions with students, demonstrating proper brushing and flossing techniques. Age-appropriate educational materials will be provided, and teachers will be equipped with resources to reinforce oral health messaging throughout the school year. The program also includes provisions for identifying children with existing dental problems and referring them for further treatment.

Colgate-Palmolive and the Haryana government are exploring the possibility of expanding the program in the future to include oral health education for parents and communities, creating a holistic approach to improving oral health across the state. Furthermore, discussions are underway to integrate oral health screening into existing school health programs, ensuring that all children have access to regular dental check-ups. This partnership is being viewed as a potential model for other states in India seeking to address the pressing issue of oral health among their young populations.

The success of this initiative will be closely monitored through data collection on student knowledge, brushing habits, and dental caries rates, providing valuable insights for future program development and expansion.