In a significant step toward curbing tobacco addictions addition 9th and dresserlevel, dentists across the country will soon take on the role of frontline advocates for tobacco de-addiction. This initiative is being spearheaded by the National Resource Centre for Oral Health and Tobacco Cessation at the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), New Delhi, under the National Oral Health Program.

The announcement was made during the second National Level Tobacco Cessation Training Workshop, which aims to empower dental professionals from six Indian states with the knowledge and tools to assist patients in overcoming tobacco addiction.  Dentists as Key Players in Tobacco Cessation Recognizing the devastating impact of tobacco on public health—responsible for 8 million global deaths annually, including 4,500 daily fatalities in India—the government is intensifying its focus on tobacco cessation efforts.

The initiative comes in response to India’s high tobacco consumption rates, with a third of the population dependent on some form of the addictive substance.  The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has already implemented several initiatives, such as National Tobacco Quitline Services and M-Cessation, along with establishing Tobacco Cessation Clinics (TCCs). In 2018, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Dental Council of India, introduced operational guidelines to establish tobacco cessation centers in dental colleges.

As a result, over 302 tobacco cessation clinics have been set up nationwide.  This effort has been further reinforced by the establishment of the National Resource Centre for Oral Health and Tobacco Cessation at MAIDS in 2021. The centre is committed to expanding the role of dental professionals in addressing tobacco addiction through patient care, research, and capacity building. 

Advancing Tobacco Cessation Training The recent workshop marked a milestone in the effort to incorporate tobacco cessation into dental practice. More than 250 faculty members and dental professionals from over 10 states have been trained by the National Resource Centre.

These training programs are structured by 25+ experts from leading institutions like NIMHANS, AIIMS, and MAIDS, focusing on equipping dental professionals with skills to provide effective tobacco cessation services.  Spearheading the event, Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Health Mission, emphasized the importance of integrating tobacco cessation into routine dental care.

She was joined by other prominent figures, including Shri S.K. Jain, Special Secretary, Department of Health, Delhi; Prof. Mahesh Verma, Vice Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University; and Dr. L. Swasticharan, Additional DDG, NOHP.  Training with a Vision The hands-on training and interactive sessions provided at the workshop were designed to address the specific needs of patients struggling with tobacco addiction. Participants engaged in case discussions and technical training, aimed at ensuring they are prepared to offer comprehensive, evidence-based cessation services at clinics nationwide. 

The National Resource Centre also honored several states, dental colleges, and organizations for their exceptional work in promoting anti-tobacco awareness. Out of 230 entries, 12 were awarded for their outstanding contributions in this vital public health initiative.  Future Roadmap The National Resource Centre is committed to expanding its reach by launching a three-month online training module in collaboration with ECHO-India, to further enhance the skills of dental professionals in tobacco cessation. Additionally, new scientifically validated health education materials were released, ensuring that clinics have access to the latest resources for patient education and care. 

As the Ministry of Health and the National Resource Centre continue to collaborate, the goal remains clear: to deliver tobacco cessation services that not only save lives but also contribute to a healthier, tobacco-free India.  This initiative is set to revolutionize the role of dental professionals in tackling one of India’s most pressing public health challenges, giving them the tools to help millions quit tobacco for good.