Best Practice -1

PROMOTING "INTEREST IN RESEARCH" AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Objectives/Intended outcome :

To infuse research interest in the undergraduate students, they are encouraged to indulge in various research activities and scientific publication to sensitize them about the current trends and needs in oral health care management. To encourage and advocate scientific thinking in the students of the institution, by generating a scientific environment.

The Context :

Inculcating a research attitude in the young minds of students at an undergraduate level is necessary to create indigenous scientific innovations. Research enables them to use the internet, social medias, available technologies and facilities, available printed information and communication technology towards the achievement of a creative environment.Encouraging undergraduate students to engage in research is an essential and transformative aspect of higher education. Research not only enriches their academic experience but also equips them with valuable skills and perspectives that extend far beyond the classroom.

The Practice :

Students are encouraged to engage themselves in research activities happening in the college. Any student can approach the teaching staff for participation, guidance and support. Students are encouraged to carry out short studies under the guidance of teaching staff. Students are also encouraged and guided in scientific publications and scientific presentations. Undergraduate Students are also encouraged to apply for various grants available for carrying out Short Term studies.

Evidence of success :

Few students have completed their research, some of them have received grants/studentships from various organisations like Indian Dental Association, Indian Council of Medical Research and Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences for carrying out short term studies. Some students havepublished case report or reviews or their studies in various journals. Various students have attended and participated in various Conferences which has helped them to gain an insight to the various research activities and latest advancements in the field of Dentistry.

Problems Encountered and Resources Required :

The successful completion of the research project involves the effort of the researcher and also funding is essential to meet the expenses involved in the research. It is Challenging to motivate the undergraduate students to engage themselves in research activities amid their academic and clinical schedule. It is always not possible to obtain funds for the research proposals, which acts as a barrier in completion of the study.

Best Practice -2

INITIATIVES FOR ORAL CANCER PREVENTION”

Objectives of the Practice :

The objective is to raise awareness about risk factors, promoting early detection through screenings, encouraging lifestyle changes to minimize risk, and advocating for regular dental check-ups.

The Context :

Oral cancer is a significant public health concern, with various risk factors and the etiologic factor of concern being tobacco abuse. Increasing awareness, early detection and prevention are crucial in improving outcomes for individuals at risk. Initiatives for oral cancer prevention are particularly relevant in communities where there's a high prevalence of risk factors, those with limited access to healthcare services and youngsters.

The Practice :

Initiatives for oral cancer prevention encompasses a range of continuing activities such as:

Awareness Campaigns:

Awareness programs were held to educate the public and youngsters about risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures through health talks, street play, mime show, distribution of Information Education Communication (IEC) materials and interschool competitions.

Campaigning for Stricter Implementation of Tobacco Control Laws:

Schools were approached to encourage them to make their schools complaint to tobacco Laws. Campaign against spit free Mangalore was held involving the police personnel and schools of Mangalore.

Screening Programs:

Oral cancer screenings were carried out for various target groups like Sanitation workers, Slum dwellers, Tribal population and rural areas to detect precancerous lesions.

Evidence of Success :

There has been collaboration with Indian Cancer Society, District Tobacco Control Cell, ZillaPanchayath, Mangalore City Corporation and Schools of Mangalorein working towards initiatives for oral cancer prevention. Schools, District Tobacco Control Cell and Indian Cancer Society has appreciated the efforts of the institute in Oral Cancer Prevention programs. There has been an increase in awareness among the public and pre-cancerous lesions were detected at an early stage in various target populations.

Problems Encountered and Resources Required :

Challenges Faced:

Despite the effectiveness of oral cancer prevention initiatives, several challenges were encountered, including: Limited access to healthcare services and affordability issues in underserved communities. Cultural and social barriers to adopting healthy behaviors. Resource constraints for sustaining long-term programs.

Resources Required :

Best Practice -3

"HEALTH PROMOTING SCHOOLS" INITIATIVE

Objectives/Intended outcome :

A multisector involvement of Health sector, Education Department, Home Guards along with the school to work on programmes to incorporate health promotion along with the academic activities of schools to build capacities of students in making better health decisions.

The Context :

Health Promoting school concept enablesthe students to promote and protect their health through both formal and informal methods of teachings, thus creating a safe and healthy school environment. The concept of Health Promotion at Schools is to work on programmes that support schools and their communities in making better health decisions.Everyone, right from the nation and society, down to the individual and families’ benefits when the schools start promoting health. Schools can get the opportunity to collaborate with different sectors of the society and utilize the resources to reinforce classroom teachings.

The Practice :

Implementation of the Health Promoting School concept involved a multisector collaboration between the Participating schools and following

Departments:

The initiative is an ongoing programme and so farSevenschools of Mangalore have participated in this initiative namely:

Evidence of success :

So far, the Health Promoting Schools initiative has covered seven schools of Mangalore. It is an ongoing programme and we intend to further cover more schools. Based on the positive feedback of the participating schools, we also intend to carry out the programme on a yearly basis. The students and the teachers of the schools, have actively participated. We believe that the programmes carried out in this initiative will equip the students and the teachers with the awareness required to lead a healthier lifeand make healthy lifestyle choices. Students can also be messengers of change and promote healthier life styles in their homes and in the communities that they live in. Following this initiative, we believe the students will be better prepared to handle any unexpected emergency/disasters until the First Responder arrives.

Problems Encountered and Resources Required :

Challenges Faced: Though every school approached expressed interest in the programme, obtaining the time for the initiative from some of the educational institutes was a challenge. As the institutes already had their academic year planned, and this was disrupted owing to the unexpected holidays declared following heavy rains; some institutes were reluctant to commit time for the program.

Man power was required to carry out the program comprising of resource persons, doctors and supporting staff.

Armamentarium such as banners, Certificates, Projector, Laptop with connector and Demonstrations aids (Mannequin; life jacket; rescue buoy; foldable stretcher; triangular bandages etc)

Transportation facilities

Oral health and General Health Screening instruments (Mouth mirrors, explorers, tweezers, stethoscope etc)

Personal protective equipment (Mouth masks, Gloves)