Bhupinder Sharma, City Darpan
Chandigarh, 26, february: In recognition of its outstanding commitment to Community and Humanitarian Services, the Oral Health Sciences Centre at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘International College of Dentists D N Kapoor award’, received by Dr Arpit Gupta, Associate Prof, OHSC-PGI from Sh. Apurva Chandra, Secretary – Health & Family Welfare, Govt. Of India at the convocation held at the IP University, New Delhi. This accolade underscores the centre's remarkable efforts in providing comprehensive oral healthcare to the elderly population, particularly those in old-age homes and day care centres in and around Chandigarh.
Dr Ashima Goyal, Head of the Oral Health Sciences Centre, said that this award from the International College of Dentists is a testament to the centre's unwavering commitment to elevating the standard of oral care for the elderly populace and its multifaceted approach encompassing advisory, training, research, and comprehensive dental treatment. The exultation in the eyes of the elderly residents, their smiles, and the joy of knowing that somebody cares speaks volumes about the success and impact of this remarkable outreach program.
The program, initiated in January 2023, has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to improving the oral health and overall well-being of the elderly community. The scope of the initiative extended to various old age homes, day care facilities, and even a remote village, Gurah, situated at the periphery of Chandigarh.
Under the leadership of the National Resource Centre for Oral Healthcare of Children and Elderly (NRC-FORCE), the Oral Health Sciences Centre has pioneered a unique service delivery model. This model directly brings oral healthcare services to the doorsteps of the residents of old age homes, addressing the accessibility challenges of frail and elderly individuals free of cost.
The program's success lies in its comprehensive approach, covering promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative procedures. Inhabitants of old age homes are being educated about the importance of oral health, hygiene practices. Notably, the service delivery model has set a new benchmark for oral healthcare. The impact on society has been substantial, with more than 550 residents benefiting from the program to date, receiving dentures and extractions, restorations, RCTs, oral health education, etc., directly at their doorsteps. The caretakers of these elderly have witnessed an improvement in dietary intake, nutritional absorption, and an overall sense of contentment, transforming their lives.
The program's influence extends beyond direct beneficiaries, inspiring replication and innovation nationwide. Furthermore, the centre has actively engaged in research endeavours; technical advisory has been extended to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in related matters, and IEC material, including a training manual for caregivers, has been developed.