WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY 2026
Department of Public Health Dentistry Navodaya Dental College and Hospital, Raichur
Introduction
The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Navodaya Dental College and Hospital, Raichur, organized a series of awareness programs, Continuing Dental Education (CDE) activities, dental screening camps, tobacco cessation initiatives, and pledge ceremonies in observance of World No Tobacco Day 2026. The activities were conducted with the objective of creating awareness regarding the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, promoting tobacco cessation, and encouraging the adoption of healthy lifestyles among students, employees, and the general public.
1. Continuing Dental Education (CDE) Programme-"Choose Health, Not Tobacco"
Date: 1st June 2026 (Monday)
Time: 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Venue: AV Hall, 1st Floor, Central Library
Target Audience: B.Ed. Students, Navodaya College of Education
A Continuing Dental Education Programme titled “Choose Health, Not Tobacco" was organized as part of the World No Tobacco Day 2026 celebrations. The programme focused on educating future educators about the harmful effects of tobacco and their role in promoting a tobacco-free society.
Resource Persons and Topics
Dr. Suresh Babu A.M.
- Impact of Smokeless Tobacco on Oral Health
Dr. Zaheer Ahmed
- Role of Professionals in Tobacco Cessation
Dr. Nasi Ismail
- Tobacco Industry Tactics and Public Health Challenges
The sessions were highly interactive and informative, encouraging participants to actively engage in tobacco prevention and health promotion activities.
Total Participants: Approximately 100
2. Oral Health screening and pledge ceremony and Tobacco Awareness Programme at Food Corporation of India, Raichur
Date: 26th May 2026
Venue: Food Corporation of India (FCI), Raichur
The Department conducted a dental screening and oral health awareness camp for employees of the Food Corporation of India. Participants were educated regarding the adverse effects of tobacco use on oral and general health.
Team Members
- Dr. Zaheer Ahmed(Faculty)
- Dr. Y.S. Sai Santhoshi (Postgraduate)
- Dr. Catherine (Intern)
- Dr. Mounika (Intern)
- Dr. Vaishnavi (Intern)
- Dr. Tahseen (Intern)
- Dr. Spandana (Intern)
- Dr. Illiyaz (Intern)
The participants received oral examinations and counseling regarding tobacco cessation and oral hygiene practices.
Beneficiaries
- Patients Screened: 19
- Patients Referred: 18
3. Oral Health screening and pledge ceremony and Tobacco Awareness Programme at Raichur Solvent
Date: 2nd June 2026
Venue: Raichur Solvent
A dental screening and awareness camp was conducted for employees of Raichur Solvent. Oral examinations were carried out and participants were educated about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.
Team Members
- Dr. Zaheer Ahmed (Faculty)
- Dr. Y.S. Sai Santhoshi (Postgraduate)
- Dr. Rohith (Intern)
- Dr. Awantika (Intern)
- Dr. Bhavana (Intern)
- Dr. Apoorva (Intern)
- Dr. Illiyaz (Intern)
Beneficiaries
- Patients Screened: 17
- Patients Referred: 17
All identified cases requiring treatment were referred to Navodaya Dental College and Hospital for further management.
4. Oral Health screening and pledge ceremony and Tobacco Awareness Programme at Navodaya Public School
Date: 4th June 2026
Venue: Navodaya Public School
An oral health education and tobacco awareness programme was conducted for students and staff members. The programme emphasized the importance of avoiding tobacco products and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Faculty and Team Members
- Dr. Suresh Babu A.M. (Head of the Department)
- Dr. Nasi Ismail(Faculty)
- Dr. Rohith (Intern)
- Dr. Awantika (Intern)
- Dr. Bhavana (Intern)
- Dr. Apoorva (Intern)
- Dr. Catherine (Intern)
- Dr. Mounika (Intern)
Participants were encouraged to become ambassadors of a tobacco-free lifestyle within their families and communities.
Beneficiaries
- Patients Screened: 66
- Patients Referred: 55
5. Dental Screening Camp and Pledge Ceremony at Bus Depot (Divisional Controller Office), Raichur
Date: 5th June 2026
Venue: Bus Depot (Divisional Controller Office), Raichur
A comprehensive dental screening camp and tobacco awareness programme was conducted for employees of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation.
Team Members
- Dr. Girish Katti, (Principal, Navodaya Dental College)
- Dr. Suresh Babu A.M., (Head of the Department)
- Dr. Nasi Ismail( Faculty)
- Dr. Rohith (Intern)
- Dr. Awantika (Intern)
- Dr. Bhavana (Intern)
- Dr. Apoorva (Intern)
- Dr. Catherine (Intern)
- Dr. Mounika (Intern)
Beneficiaries
- Patients Screened: 32
- Patients Referred: 30
Employees were screened for oral diseases and counselled regarding tobacco cessation. Individuals requiring further treatment were referred to Navodaya Dental College and Hospital.
No Tobacco Day Pledge Ceremony
As part of the awareness programme, a No Tobacco Day Pledge Ceremony was conducted. Participants took a pledge to refrain from tobacco use, spread awareness about its harmful effects, support tobacco cessation efforts, and contribute towards building a healthier and tobacco-free society.
Conclusion
The World No Tobacco Day 2026 activities organized by the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Navodaya Dental College and Hospital, Raichur, were successfully conducted through educational programmes, awareness lectures, dental screening camps, and tobacco cessation initiatives. The programmes effectively reached students, employees, and members of the community, promoting awareness regarding the dangers of tobacco use and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.
The active participation of faculty members, postgraduate students, interns, paradental staff, and beneficiaries contributed significantly to the success of the campaign. The Department remains committed to continuing its efforts toward tobacco control, oral health promotion, and community welfare.
