Theme of the Day: “Safeguarding Smiles by the Shore” – World No Tobacco Day Awareness and Oral Screening Camp for the Fisherman Community

Date: 20.05.2026

Venue: Fisherman Community, Injambakkam

As part of the observance of World No Tobacco Day 2026, the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sree Balaji Dental College & Hospital, organized an Oral Health Awareness and Screening Camp for the fisherman community at Injambakkam on 21st May 2026 under the theme “Safeguarding Smiles by the Shore.”

The outreach initiative was conducted with the objective of creating awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use, promoting tobacco cessation, and emphasizing the importance of early detection of oral diseases among coastal communities. Fishermen are often exposed to occupational challenges and may have a higher prevalence of tobacco-related habits, increasing their risk of developing oral health problems, including oral cancer. The program aimed to encourage healthier lifestyle choices and highlight the value of regular oral health screening and preventive care.

A dedicated team of faculty members, postgraduate students, and interns from the Department of Public Health Dentistry carried out comprehensive oral examinations and screening procedures for the participants. During the camp, several individuals were identified with suspicious oral lesions, potentially malignant disorders, and other tobacco associated oral conditions. These participants were counseled regarding the significance of early diagnosis and were referred for further diagnostic evaluation and appropriate management.

Interactive health education sessions were conducted to inform the community about the dangers of smoking and smokeless tobacco products, the association between tobacco use and oral cancer, common early warning signs of oral diseases, and the benefits of quitting tobacco. Participants were also educated on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups. Educational pamphlets containing information on tobacco cessation, oral cancer prevention, and healthy lifestyle practices were distributed to reinforce the awareness messages delivered during the program.

As part of the preventive healthcare initiative, toothbrushes and toothpaste kits were distributed to all attendees to promote daily oral hygiene maintenance. The camp witnessed enthusiastic participation from the fisherman community and served as a valuable platform for delivering essential oral healthcare services directly to an under served population. The program successfully highlighted the importance of tobacco cessation, community-based oral health screening, and preventive healthcare. It reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to improving public oral health and advancing the objectives of World No Tobacco Day 2026 through awareness, early identification of oral diseases, and promotion of tobacco-free living.