Bhubaneswar, April 22: As many as 19 screening and treatment camps were organised by the Institute of Dental Sciences (IDS), faculty of dental sciences of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University (SOA) here, to mark the ‘World Oral Health Month’ catering to the needs of 1,153 individuals across various locations.
The treatment procedures included pit and fissure sealants, extractions, restorations, scaling and more advanced services such as impressions, jaw relation recording and delivery of six complete dentures.
The month-long celebration, which had kicked off on March 20, included impactful community outreach, awareness initiatives and academic engagements. The inaugural event was addressed by Dr. Jeevant Acharya, In-charge of National Oral Health Program (NOHP) and Prof. (Dr.) Ruchi Bhuyan, Dean of IDS.
A screening and treatment camp was held at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp here on April 18 where 120 patients were screened and treated. Oral health education was also extended to the visitors.
Community engagement, which was the highlight of the celebration, included interaction sessions held at Jatni, Balianta and Harpur in collaboration with local community leaders. These sessions focused on oral health awareness, distribution of toothbrush and toothpaste and dental health issues.
Over 200 students, faculty members, interns and non-teaching staff of the institution participated in a walkathon held on April 6 which culminated at Anand Van. The event featured flash mob and pamphlet distribution.
Besides, IDS organised three Continuing Dental Education (CDE) programs and webinars along with poster making, debate and quiz competitions for students. The valedictory program was held on April 19 which was graced by Dr. Braja Kishore Dash, Additional Director of Medical Education, Government of Odisha, and Prof. (Dr.) Bhuyan.
