Oral health camp organized

ALIGARH : The Department of Periodontia and Community Dentistry, Dr. Z.A. Dental College, Aligarh Muslim University, organized a screening and awareness camp to mark the “World Cancer Day”, in collaboration with the Department of Radiotherapy, JN Medical College, AMU at the main OPD building, Trauma Centre.

Dr. Vivek Kumar Sharma (Professor and Chairman, Department of Periodontia and Community Dentistry) said that the camp focused on screening prevalent cancers at the early stage in the area and creating awareness of preventable cancers. People from mid and old age groups were provided with information regarding multiple ways of exposure to tobacco and its ill effects on health.

He stated that most of the cancers in India are highly preventable as 50% of cancer cases in men are directly related to the use of tobacco and Alcohol. In women, most of the cancer cases are cervix and breast-related malignancies, primarily related to hygiene, sexual practices and lifestyle changes.

He said that oral cavity and breast lump examinations were done in the camp while the attending doctors and interns educated patients regarding the basics and importance of general and oral hygiene.

“Among 73 screened patients, 7 were diagnosed with oral premalignant lesions and were referred to respective OPDs for further evaluations. 27 patients were counseled for tobacco and alcohol consumption while most of the patients were suffering from dental caries”, he added.

Further, oral hygiene instructions were given to patients and brushing technique was explained with the help of a model and brush and oral health education was spread with the help of charts, models, and pamphlets.

He thanked Prof. R K Tiwari (Principal, ZADC) and Prof. Mohd Akram (Chairman, Department of Radiotherapy) for their cooperation.