New Delhi: The AAP government will set up around 100 dental clinics across Delhi on the lines of mohalla clinics, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Monday.

Inaugurating the 'Dental Health Utsav' organised by Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS) here, Sisodia said the project is being implemented as part of the government's efforts to enhance medical infrastructure in the national capital.

These dental clinics will offer minor procedures, which he said would be a major step towards preventing oral diseases.

"It is necessary to initiate awareness drives and render appropriate and timely dental care. The efforts should be to target mainly schoolchildren so that they develop positive dental health attitude. There is an urgent need to bring oral health to the schools and train children to maintain oral hygiene," Sisodia said as he released the "Annual Year Book" of MAIDS on the occasion.

Health Minister Satyendar Jain, who was also present on the occasion, said, "We will set up around 100 Aam Aadmi dental clinics on the lines of mohalla clinics across the city."

Endorsing Jain, Sisodia said, "There must be aggressive campaigning in every street of Delhi to achieve the target."

Mahesh Verma, Director-Principal of Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, said they will assist the department of health for setting up the clinics.

"Besides the proposed dental clinics, there have been deliberations with the government to set up five branches of MAIDS to cater to the people of Delhi," Verma said.

The Delhi government's 'mohalla clinics' scheme which aims to provide better primary care coverage has been appreciated by leading global medical journal, 'The Lancet'.

The Dental Health Utsav 'Delhi Smiles - 2016' which aims to create much-needed awareness for dental healthcare will continue till December 18. The four-day-long event will comprise of free dental check ups, dental health awareness through novel exhibits and lectures.

The theme of this year's event is "Wholesome Nutrition Healthy Teeth" mainly displayed with innovative exhibits and demonstrations is open for public display.

This mega community initiative attracts more than 10,000 visitors every year and the theme, this year, is "Wholesome Nutrition Healthy Teeth", mainly displayed with innovative exhibits and demonstrations is open for public display.

MAIDS cater to more than three lakh patients annually and have furthered its outreach services with the six mobile dental clinics that serve under-served areas of Delhi.