REPORT OF ORAL SCREENING CAMP AS A PART OF WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY
As a part of World No Tobacco Day celebrations a health education and oral screening camp was organized by Azeezia College of Dental Sciences and Research, Department of Public Health Dentistry and NSS (NSS/SFU/KLM/KUHS/3) in Adopted Village at Prathibha Arts and Sports club and library, Velichikala on 5th June 2024.A group of 6 interns and 2 staff members and a nursing staff reached the venue by college dental van at 10.00am. A set of autoclaved instruments and case sheet were carried. We were warmly welcomed and seated .The camp started with an inauguration ceremony under the guidance of Mr Shaji.Mon, Secretary, Prathibha Arts and Sports club . The Felicitation was given by the Ward member Mrs Eliyamma Johnson and the details about the camp were given by Dr Naveen Jacob Varghese, Senior Lecturer, Azeezia College of Dental Sciences and Research.
Some posters and educational charts were also displayed about the awareness of oral cancer to the public at the camp .Tables and chairs were set up for oral screening .The camp was targeted for all age groups. Depending on the chief complaint a treatment plan was made and was explained to the patient. Each individual/patient was also educated regarding the oral hygiene practices as well as the harmful effects of tobacco. Around half of people (both male and female) were diagnosed with severe dental caries, chronic periodontal and gingival disease.Majority of them had tobacco chewing and smoking habits .use of mishri for cleaning the tooth was also a common habit among the people. Two people were detected with precancerous lesion .Tobacco counseling was done to spread awareness among the people regarding the hazards of tobacco consumption .Along with check up they were also taught the ways of how to maintain good oral hygiene like demonstration of right way of tooth brushing using modified bass brushing technique and use of dental floss etc. The importance of regular dental visit was also explained to them. The patients requiring emergency dental care and or those having precancerous lesions were instructed to come to Azeezia Dental College for needful treatment. A referral card with a validity of 30 days was provided at the end of examination for all those who attended the camp for further treatment at college.
The motive of the camp was to diagnose, screen the chronic case and counsel the people about their oral health condition and the measures they are supposed to take to avoid future health complications. The camp ended at around 1 pm. The camp was very beneficial for the patient since it not only created awareness about the need to maintain oral hygiene but also helped in identifying dental problem like,caries that are left unnoticed by people. Another major objective of the camp was identifying people with oral cancer lesion and educating the public regarding the adverse effects of oral cancer with posters and charts as a part of World No Tobacco Day celebrations. There were a total of 13 patients participated in the camp and was referred to different departments for the treatment. 6 patients were referred for restoration,3 people for extraction,5 patients for oral prophylaxis and 5 patients for prosthetic rehabilitation. This created awareness among the public about the harmful effect of tobacco and other products and oral cancer.
