Six hundred dentists from across the country will feature in a 24-hour oral care marathon here next week to offer free dental checks to Mumbaikars and create one more reason for this financial and entertainment capital of India to be on the world map.

'Mumbai Smiles' will run from 11 a.m. Oct 9 to 11 a.m. the next day as part of the World Dental Show being held here Oct 9-11.

The event is an initiative of the Indian Dental Association and leading chewing gum maker Wrigley's to reinforce the Indian government's ambitious plan of Oral Health for All by 2020, the organisers said in a statement Friday.

During the marathon and the exposition, participants will receive advice from noted dentists of India and will also be eligible for two free dental check-ups in the next one year.

'Mumbai Smiles is a landmark initiative where we are trying to reach out to as many people as possible to create awareness about oral health,' IDA president Lt. Gen. Paramjit Singh said.

'We hope this initiative will yield greater results. Through the oral care marathon we are attempting to make the people realise the importance of oral health and the need to go for regular dental check-ups to ensure a good overall health,' Singh added.

The World Dental Show will have over 20,000 members of the fraternity attending the event, which is being promoted by the India Trade Promotion Organisation and the ministries of health and family welfare, home and external affairs.

World Dental Show is one of the world's largest annual exhibitions of dental equipment, products and materials.

According to IDA honorary secretary Ashok Dhoble, India's hosting of the World Dental Show 'in itself is a recognition as well as appreciation of the pioneering work that the organizers have done in promoting oral health in the country'.

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