Srinagar, Sept 1: A significant step towards strengthening tobacco prevention and cessation through dental care was taken on Monday with the conduct of the DHS–ECHO–NIMHANS Tobacco Cessation Training Programme for Dental Professionals in Srinagar.
The programme brought together more than 100 dental professionals along with leading experts and stakeholders working in the field of tobacco control and cessation.
Dr Sandeep Bhalla, Vice President, ECHO India, and Ms Paromita Das, General Manager, ECHO India, shared insights into the ECHO model and its role in strengthening healthcare capacity and expanding access to evidence-based care.
The training featured expert perspectives from NIMHANS, the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, ECHO India and Vital Strategies, with a special focus on strengthening the role of dental professionals under the National Tobacco Control Programme.
A key highlight of the programme was the keynote address titled “Why Tobacco Control Must Be Kashmir’s Next Big Health Priority” by Dr Jahanzaib Tanki, who emphasised the need for stronger tobacco prevention and cessation efforts across the region.
Dr Prabhat Chaand, Professor of Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction Medicine, NIMHANS, spoke about the importance of evidence-based approaches to tobacco cessation and the need for integrated interventions to help tobacco users quit.
Dr Aruna D.S., Professor of Dental Public Health and Tobacco Cessation Consultant, highlighted the important role dental professionals can play in tobacco screening, counselling and cessation as part of routine dental practice.
The session was opened and coordinated by Dr Fajr Shah, Associate Manager, ECHO India, and concluded with an interactive discussion involving participating dental professionals.
The programme aims to build a stronger network of trained dental professionals and make tobacco cessation an integral part of routine dental care.
The initiative underlined the potential of every dental consultation to serve as an opportunity for early intervention, tobacco cessation counselling and prevention of tobacco-related diseases, contributing towards a healthier and tobacco-free Kashmir.
