India’s fight against tobacco addiction has taken a transformative step forward. The National Resource Centre for Oral Health and Tobacco Cessation (NRC-OH-TC), in collaboration with ECHO India, has rolled out the country’s first-ever virtual national training program for dental professionals focusing on tobacco cessation. This ambitious initiative, designed to run over three months, promises to empower dentists with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle one of India’s most pressing public health challenges.

Why This Program Matters

The northeastern regions of India face an alarming burden of tobacco use across all age groups. This program aims to change that narrative. Every Thursday, participants will log in to the i-ECHO India platform for live, interactive sessions. With a lineup of experts in de-addiction, psychiatry, clinical psychology, and public health dentistry, the program is tailored to equip dental professionals to step up as frontline warriors against tobacco addiction.

“This is more than just training—it’s a movement,” said Prof. Vikrant Mohanty, Project Head and Program Coordinator at NRC-OH-TC. “We’re not only standardizing tobacco cessation practices but also building a future where dental professionals can lead the charge in creating a tobacco-free generation.”

Uniting Experts and Advocates

The program’s virtual inauguration set the tone for its ambitious goals. Attended by stalwarts like Dr. L. Swasticharan, Additional Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), and Dr. Naveen Verma, Deputy Director General of Emergency Medical Relief, the event also saw the presence of Shri Vikas Chawda, Secretary In-charge of the Dental Council of India (DCI), and Prof. (Dr.) Arundeep Kaur Lamba, Director-Principal of Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS).

Prof. Lamba spoke passionately about the role dentists can play in tobacco cessation. “Dental professionals have a unique opportunity to make a difference,” she said. “By helping patients overcome tobacco addiction, they’re not just improving oral health—they’re saving lives.”

A First-of-Its-Kind Effort

What makes this initiative truly groundbreaking is its design. Nearly 60 participants from 10 dental colleges and 40 state-level NOHP clinics will engage in weekly sessions, making this the first dedicated training program for dental professionals in tobacco cessation, designed by dental professionals themselves.

Dr. Romshi Raina, Senior Research Officer and Course Coordinator, shared her enthusiasm: “This program is a game-changer. For the first time, we’re equipping dentists with specialized tools to integrate tobacco cessation strategies directly into their practice.”

Towards a Tobacco-Free Generation

The program isn’t just about learning—it’s about impact. Technical experts from institutions like AIIMS, NIMHANS, and Tata Memorial Centre are lending their expertise to ensure that this training sets a new standard in public health interventions.

“This collaboration reflects our collective commitment to protecting communities from the devastating effects of tobacco,” said Prof. Mohanty. “Together, we are envisioning a future where tobacco no longer holds power over our health.”

About the Collaborators

The National Resource Centre for Oral Health and Tobacco Cessation, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s National Oral Health Program, continues to lead the charge in empowering healthcare providers with the tools to fight tobacco addiction. ECHO India, known for its global tele-mentoring expertise, has been instrumental in making this virtual initiative a reality.

As the sessions unfold, this program is poised to reshape the way dental professionals contribute to public health. More importantly, it sends a clear message: India is ready to stand united in its vision for a healthier, tobacco-free future.