KIDS Observes IAPHD Day for Better Oral Health Awareness
The Department of Public Health Dentistry of Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS), a constituent under KIIT-Deemed-to-be-University, organised various programmes and activities on 19th and 21st June 2023, to observe Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry (IAPHD) Day.
Inspired by the philosophy of “Art of Giving”, initiated by Founder of KIIT-KISS Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Deputy Director (Administration) KIDS Dr. Jugajyoti Pathi spearheaded the initiative. Principal Dr. Aswini Kumar Kar was also present during the programmes.
In 1993, the IAPHD was established with the goal of improving oral health of the Indian population via collaborative efforts. IAPHD’s major goal is to promote oral health as a crucial aspect of overall wellbeing through collaborative efforts in the community. Despite being the most crucial aspect of human health, dental health is most frequently ignored without knowledge. The association was founded with a social goal in mind: To assist the public to recognise that oral health is directly related to overall health and a healthy life begins with proper oral health.
IAPHD made the decision in 2015 to observe June 19 as National Public Health Dentistry Day every year. The theme for IAPHD Day 2023 was “Empowering leaders to shape the future of dental public health”. The various activities and programmes conducted by the Department of Public Health Dentistry, KIDS were as follows:
1. A dental camp was conducted at Ashraya Shelter, Dumduma, Bhubaneswar. Basic dental treatments were carried out among the inmates followed by imparting oral hygiene maintenance knowledge and proper tooth brushing techniques.
2. An art competition was also conducted among the children of the shelter home. The competition was followed by free distribution of toothbrushes and concluded with distribution of prizes to the winners.
3. Various competitions (quiz, debate, reels, slogan and poster) were organised by the Department of Public Health Dentistry for post-graduate students, interns and final year students. The entries were evaluated by a panel of judges from KIDS.
4. Dr. Ipseeta Menon, HOD, enlightened the students with the delivery of a speech on the scope of Public Health Dentistry. The events concluded with felicitation of the judges and prize distribution to the winners.