Title : The fight against tobacco: Bridging oral health and public health. How India does it
Abstract:
India faces a significant burden of oral diseases, with tobacco use being a major contributor. As an expert in tobacco de-addiction, dental public health, and oral cancer, I combine clinical expertise with public health initiatives to address this pressing issue.
This presentation will explore evidence-based strategies for tobacco cessation, emphasizing the psychosocial and behavioral interventions crucial for sustainable outcomes. I will also highlight my experience in conducting extensive oral health screenings, which serve as a vital tool for early detection of oral cancer and other tobacco-related conditions. These screenings provide invaluable data and foster opportunities for community-level education and intervention.
Through a public health lens, I will discuss the challenges of implementing cessation programs, particularly in underserved populations, and the role of awareness campaigns in reducing tobacco consumption. By drawing connections between tobacco use and oral cancer, I will stress the importance of integrated care approaches and prevention strategies.
Using real-world examples from my practice, I will showcase the transformative impact of combining tobacco cessation counseling, large-scale oral health screenings, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Attendees will leave with actionable insights into counseling techniques, policy advocacy, and effective screening protocols, empowering them to contribute to India’s fight against tobacco addiction and its devastating impact on oral health.
This session offers a comprehensive roadmap to addressing the dual challenge of tobacco use and oral cancer through prevention, detection, and intervention.
