Theme of the Day: "Building Health Beyond Bricks” – World No Tobacco Day Awareness and Oral Screening Camp for Construction Workers

Date: 20.05.2026

Venue: Kovilambakkam

In observance of World No Tobacco Day, the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sree Balaji Dental College & Hospital, organized an Oral Cancer Awareness and Screening Camp for construction workers at Kovilambakkam on 20th May 2026

The outreach program was conducted with the aim of raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use, promoting tobacco cessation, emphasizing the importance of early detection of oral cancer, and encouraging preventive oral healthcare practices among vulnerable occupational groups. Construction workers, who are often at increased risk due to tobacco-related habits and limited access to regular healthcare services, actively participated in the camp.

A comprehensive oral health screening was carried out by the faculty members, postgraduate students, and interns of the Department of Public Health Dentistry. During the examination, several individuals were identified with suspicious oral lesions and other potentially harmful oral conditions associated with tobacco use. These participants were counseled regarding the need for timely medical evaluation and were referred for further diagnostic assessment and management.

An interactive health education session was conducted highlighting the dangers of tobacco consumption in both smoking and smokeless forms, the early warning signs of oral cancer, the benefits of tobacco cessation, and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. Participants were encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyle practices and seek professional support for quitting tobacco. Educational pamphlets containing information on tobacco cessation, oral cancer prevention, and healthy living were distributed to reinforce the awareness messages delivered during the session.

The program witnessed enthusiastic participation and successfully achieved its objectives of increasing awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco, promoting early detection of oral diseases, and encouraging healthier oral health practices among construction workers in the community, in line with the theme and goals of World No Tobacco Day.