World Oral Health Day
Category : Significant Days | Sub Category : Posted on 2024-03-19 04:47:10
Implication of the Day in India : Where Do We Stand in Oral Healthcare Education & Infrastructure.
March 20. World Oral Health Day. The day is observed as a critical reminder of the integral role oral health plays in our overall well-being. Amidst the backdrop of the ongoing global health challenges, the significance of prioritizing dental care has never been more pronounced. The thematic focus of 2024 is “A Happy Mouth is . . . a Happy Body". According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO), oral diseases affect billions of people worldwide, with untreated tooth decay alone impacting nearly half of the global population.
Global Status
In the latest report from the World Health Organization (WHO) on global oral health, staggering figures reveal the pervasive impact of oral diseases worldwide. According to the WHO Global Oral Health Status Report of 2022, nearly 3.5 billion individuals grapple with oral health issues, with a significant majority residing in middle-income nations. Within this demographic, an estimated 2 billion people battle with caries of permanent teeth, while a startling 514 million children contend with caries affecting primary teeth. The report underlined a concerning trend: the prevalence of major oral diseases is on the rise globally, driven by factors such as rapid urbanization and shifts in lifestyle. Crucially, inadequate exposure to fluoride, both in water supplies and oral hygiene products like toothpaste, exacerbates this trend. Furthermore, the accessibility and affordability of sugary foods play a pivotal role, as does the limited availability of oral health care services within communities.
Scenarios from India
In this context, renowned dentists largely agree that India faces a multitude of challenges concerning oral health and hygiene. Primarily, there exists a dearth of awareness and education regarding the significance of oral care. Basic oral hygiene practices are often overlooked by many, leading to widespread dental issues. Additionally, accessibility to oral healthcare services is limited, particularly in rural regions. The scarcity of dental professionals and inadequate infrastructure further impedes timely treatment, as highlighted in a report by Financial Express. Moreover, affordability poses a significant barrier, deterring numerous individuals from seeking proper dental care. Furthermore, the consumption of tobacco and betel nut products exacerbates oral health problems, including the prevalence of oral cancer. Tackling these challenges necessitates a holistic approach encompassing awareness campaigns, enhanced infrastructure, and the provision of affordable dental services.
Drawback in Rural Sections
An article published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research in 2021 revealed that over the last decade, India has grappled with a pronounced surge in dental-related afflictions across its various states, presenting a formidable challenge. Particularly in rural regions, where the dentist-to-population ratio stands at a staggering 1:200,000, there exists a pressing need for improvising healthcare infrastructure, especially in primary dental care. The research conducted underscores the correlation between periodontal disease and improved periodontal health status, emphasizing the significance of village health centers in addressing dental ailments within communities.
While village health centers serve as pivotal hubs for dental treatment, their efficacy is hindered by limited access to essential instruments, materials, and equipment, rendering them incapable of providing comprehensive dental care. Although numerous dental colleges and hospitals in urban areas conduct regular checkups and advocate preventive measures, the disparity in access to such facilities between urban and rural populations remains glaring. India`s vast indigenous population, encompassing approximately 635 tribal groups, faces acute challenges in accessing both dental and medical services. Hindered by inadequate healthcare infrastructure, many resort to traditional healing practices to alleviate their ailments.
Innovative Initiatives: Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Science & Research
GNIDSR is the first private dental college and hospital in West Bengal equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructural facilities for imparting the latest teaching and training in the field of Dental Surgery. It is the first private dental educational institution in West Bengal to be awarded Recognition by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India and The Dental Council of India.
Departments: Oral Medicine & Radiology, Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery, Conservative Dentistry And Endodontics Periodontology, Prosthodontics And Crown & Bridge, Paediatric & Preventive Dentistry
Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology With Microbiology, Public Health Dentistry
One-of-a-kind Dental Learning Experience at the First Private Dental College of West Bengal
Large Campus Area: The institution has a centrally located 5.2-acre sprawling campus in Kolkata dedicated to specialized dentistry, with more than eight floors specifically allocated for this purpose.
Highest Patient Turnover: GNIDSR boasts an annual patient turnover of approximately 1.8 lakh patients per year, the highest among private dental colleges in West Bengal.
International Collaboration with IMU, Malaysia: Students at GNIDSR have the opportunity to benefit from international exposure through the Inbound Mobility Program of the International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur.
MOU with IIT & IIEST Shibpur: The institution has formed a Memorandum of Understanding with IIT Kharagpur and the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur for research purposes.
The World Oral Health Day 2024 serves as a subtle reminder of the imperative to prioritize dental well-being amidst the global health landscape. With billions worldwide affected by oral diseases, including staggering figures in India, addressing challenges such as awareness, accessibility, and affordability remains paramount. Initiatives like GNIDSR in West Bengal ex the potential for innovative approaches and collaborations to advance dental care, underscoring the need for concerted action on a global scale to ensure a happier, healthier future for all.
