State review meeting for dental surgeons and ASHA coordinators held, awards presented

A state review meeting and training session for dental surgeons and ASHA coordinators was held at the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare on 12 September. The meeting was chaired by Dr Reyosalu Lase, Deputy Director and SPO (NOHP), with Principal Director Dr E Motsuthung Patton attending as the special guest, and Dr Akuo Sorhie, Mission Director of NHM, as the guest of honor.

Dr Meribeni Odyuo delivered the keynote address, while Dr Neingutunuo Angami (MDS) from NHAK presented on the prevention of and solutions to endodontic mishaps. Dr Pfukrolo Koza, Senior Dental Surgeon and DNO (NOHP) at District Hospital Phek, spoke about dental age determination for victims and perpetrators, addressing related challenges and solutions. The session concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr Arenal Walling, Joint Director and SNO (NTCP).

During the meeting, several awards were presented. The recipients of the Principal Director Commendation Awards were:

A.Principal Director Commendation Awards:

1. Best Dental Health Unit: DH Dimapur
2. Best Dental Surgeon (DH): Dr NeingutunuoAngami, Sr Dental Surgeon NHAK Kohima
3. Best Dental Surgeon (CHC): Dr LichamoTungoe, Jr Dental Surgeon CHC Bandari

B.National Oral Health Program (NOHP) Awards:
1. Best Dental Surgeon: Dr Imtimenla T Nokdy, District Hospital Mon
2. Best Dental Hygienist: Dr Japheth Yeputho, District Hospital Dimapur
3. Best Dental Assistant: Dr MhonsenliYanthan, NHAK Kohima

A preview of National Oral Health Program (NOHP):

National Oral Health Program was launched in the year 2014-15 to strengthen public health facilities of the country for an accessible, affordable, acceptable, appropriate and comprehensive oral health care delivery, hence improving the oral health Status of population across all age groups and reducing the oral disease burden.

According to WHO “oral health implies being free of chronic Oro-facial pain, cancer, oral tissue lesions, birth defects such as cleft lip & cleft palate and other diseases & disorders that effects the oral, dental & cranio-facial tissues collectively known as the cranio-facial complex”. Optimal oral health is essential for overall health, well-being and good quality of life.

Diet, dental plague, tobacco use in different forms, alcohol, stress and trauma are some of the causes and risk factors for the common oral diseases. These factors are also common to a number of other non-communicable diseases highlighting the interconnected nature of these health challenges. These diseases affect individuals across all age groups and all geographical areas and pose a major health burden.

Rising Prevalence of Oral Health Issues:

The prevalence of oral health issues particularly periodontal disease and dental caries are on the rise and is a serious burden.

Therefore, the compartmentalization involved in viewing oral health& diseases separately from the rest of the body must cease and an integrated approach to promote and prevent oral health along with general health should be used.

So as health care providers Dental surgeons have a pivotal role to play in society as guardians of oral & dental health and wellbeing. The expertise, knowledge, skills, compassion, dedication of Dental Doctors is entrusted with the responsibility of preserving and restoring the oral health of individuals and communities. Dental Doctors role goes beyond just diagnosing and treating oral& dental diseases. In addition to providing routine dental care, doctors also play a vital role in patient education and awareness. As In-service dental surgeons it is entrusted to look not only after OPD or Hospital patients, but also entrusted with the responsibility to create more awareness about the importance of maintaining oral health & oral hygiene, and also to create awareness about tobacco and its harmful effects. So, these are opportunities as a challenge. Because through patient and community education, dental doctors contribute to the overall improvement of public health by fostering a culture of awareness and personal responsibility.

And as we all know, like any other field, dental science has also advanced by leaps and bounds.  With technologies like tele dentistry, 3D printing, Dental- Implants, Laser treatments, Digital x-rays, CAD/CAM technology (Computer- aided designs /Computer -aided manufacturing), Artificial Intelligence (AI) in diagnosis and treatment planning etc., there has been a fast advancement in dental technology.  So, wherever the posting maybe, it is the responsibility of Dental Doctors to be updated about the latest technologies and about the latest equipment’s or the materials that are being used.

 (Issued by IEC Bureau, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland)

MT