Mysore/Mysuru: As part of ‘World No Tobacco Day’, the Tobacco Control and Cessation Centre (TCC) at JSS Dental College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER), conducted a national workshop titled ‘Tobacco-Free Life: Healthcare Professionals’ Vital Role and Responsibilities.’

The workshop, held in hybrid mode, aimed to highlight the critical role healthcare professionals play in tobacco control and cessation.

The event featured guests including Dr. Surinder Singh, Vice-Chancellor of JSS AHER, as the chief guest and Dr. M.R. Dhakshaini, Principal of JSS Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.S. Aruna, Dental Health Public Consultant and Tobacco Cessation Specialist, Bengaluru, Dr. Rajeshwari G. Annigeri, Professor and HoD at the College of Dental Sciences, Davangere, and Dr. Vikrant Ranjan Mohanty, Principal Co-ordinator and Project Head of the National Resource Centre for Oral Health and Tobacco Cessation (NRC-OH-TC).

Dr. Karthikeya Patil, Professor and HoD of the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, served as the Organising Chairman, with Dr. Maurya Manjunath, Co-ordinator of TCC, as the Organising Secretary. Advisors included Dr. H.P. Jaishankar, Vice Principal and Dr. H.M. Thippeswamy, HoD of the Department of Public Health Dentistry.

The workshop covered key topics such as the fundamentals of tobacco dependence, innovative approaches by the National Resource Centre for Oral Health and Tobacco Cessation at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences and the role of healthcare professionals in tobacco control.

As part of the campaign, the TCC and the Department of Public Health Dentistry conducted awareness programmes for truck drivers and cleaners, educating them on the dangers of tobacco use and offering oral screenings and dental care.

A rally, organised by the Department of Public Health Dentistry and JSS Hospital, Suttur, was inaugurated by S.P. Udayashankar, Administrative Officer, JSS Institutions, Suttur.

Coordinators Tripurantaka, Veerabhadraiah and Sampath were also present.

Awareness campaigns for ASHA workers and Anganwadi teachers at Suttur were held, with pamphlets distributed to the public and hospital outpatients.

In collaboration with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) Mysuru branch, Vikram College of Nursing, Farooqia Dental College and the Rotary Club of Vijaynagar, a World No Tobacco Day walkathon took place from Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple premises to the DC office.

Educative placards highlighting the dangers and side effects of tobacco use were displayed.

Around 100 participants, including faculty and office bearers of the IDA, along with post-graduate students and interns from JSS Dental College and Hospital, actively took part in the rally.