In alignment with World No Tobacco Day, the Index Institute of Dental Sciences (IIDS), Malwanchal University, conducted an extensive awareness campaign both in urban centers and rural communities. At Rajwada, a landmark in Indore, faculty and students engaged with the public through informative displays, educational interaction, and a formal anti-tobacco pledge ceremony. The initiative was led by Dean Dr. Rolly s. Agrawal, Vice Dean Dr. Rajeev Srivastava, along with Dr. Chirag and Dr. Saurabh Khandelwal, who emphasized the role of dental professionals in curbing tobacco-related oral diseases.
Simultaneously, the Department of Public Health Dentistry, headed by Dr. Ranjan Mani Tripathi and Dr. Poonam Tomar Rana, conducted awareness drives in nearby rural areas. The focus was on educating the population about the oral health consequences of tobacco, including oral cancers, periodontal disease, and pre-cancerous lesions. Students distributed educational materials and encouraged behavioral change through face-to-face communication, promoting early detection and cessation strategies.
Environmental concerns related to tobacco consumption were also addressed, urging the public to consider both the health and ecological impacts of tobacco waste. Through these combined efforts, IIDS reinforced its role as a proactive institution dedicated to public health promotion, oral disease prevention, and community engagement. The initiative served to empower future dental professionals to act as leaders in tobacco control and health education.
