Department of Public Health Dentistry

Department of Public Health Dentistry

The Department of Public Health Dentistry at Madha Dental College aims to address oral health at a population level, emphasizing prevention, education, and community outreach.

OVERVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT:

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs:

The department offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, indicating a comprehensive approach to dental education.

Community Outreach and Treatment:

The department organizes dental camps and outreach programs to provide dental care and treatment to communities that may have limited access to dental services. This is particularly important for addressing the needs of underserved populations. The department is committed to serving the community and addressing oral health disparities.

Awareness Activities:

The department engages in activities aimed at raising awareness about the importance of oral health, its connection to overall well-being and preventing oral diseases. This includes organization of educational campaigns, programs and workshops within the college and the surrounding community to inform the public about good oral health practices.

Satellite Clinics:

The department has two fully equipped and operational satellite clinics, located at Nandambakkam and Anakaputhur to serve the underserved populations in those areas. These clinics are strategically positioned within a 10-kilometer radius of the college, likely to ensure accessibility for patients.

Tobacco Cessation Clinic:

The Tobacco Cessation Clinic offers tailored assistance for quitting tobacco, providing counselling, education on health risks, personalized quit plans, medication recommendations, group counselling, follow-up sessions, relapse prevention strategies, and coordination with healthcare providers for related health concerns.

Research Training:

The department conducts research to gather data on oral health trends, risk factors, and the effectiveness of preventive measures. This information helps in developing evidence-based strategies for oral health promotion. The department places significant emphasis on developing research skills among dental students, which can contribute to advancements in the field of public health dentistry.

GOALS:

  1. Community Education and Awareness:

Increase oral health literacy and awareness in the community through targeted educational programs, promoting preventive measures and healthy behaviors.

  1. Access to Dental Services:

Improve access to dental care by implementing outreach initiatives and collaborating with healthcare providers, ensuring equitable distribution of oral health services, especially among underserved populations.

  1. Disease Prevention and Surveillance:

Implement effective preventive measures, such as fluoride treatments and sealants, while monitoring oral health trends through epidemiological surveillance to identify and address prevalent dental diseases in the community.

OBJECTIVES:

  1. Develop Educational Programs:

Design and implement targeted educational programs to increase oral health awareness, emphasizing preventive measures and promoting healthy oral hygiene practices within the community.

  1. Expand Outreach Initiatives:

Extend outreach initiatives to underserved populations, collaborating with community organizations to enhance access to dental services, providing education, and facilitating preventive interventions.

  1. Implement Preventive Measures:

Execute preventive measures such as community water fluoridation, dental sealant programs, and screenings, focusing on reducing the incidence of dental diseases and promoting overall oral health.

  1. Establish Surveillance Systems:

Develop and maintain robust epidemiological surveillance systems to monitor oral health trends, identify emerging issues, and guide evidence-based interventions to address prevalent dental diseases.

  1. Enhance Collaboration with Healthcare Providers:

Strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers, dental professionals, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach in improving access to dental services and implementing comprehensive public health strategies.

HIGHLIGHTS

KEY FEATURES

  • Extensive outreach program benefiting more than 15000 patients
  • Outreach among Special needs population via the program “Reaching the unreached”.
  • Multidisciplinary Research activities.
  • Urban satellite centres for clinical training.
  • Collaborations with other stakeholders.

CORE COMPETENCIES / THRUST AREAS

  • Community Based Dental Care
  • Epidemiological Research
  • Preventive Dentistry
  • Oral Health Education & Promotion
  • Policy Advocacy

LATEST AWARDS, ACHIEVEMENTS, EVENTS

  • Department of Public health dentistry signed an MOU with the TN Sports University in September 2024 at Madha Dental College & Hospital.
  • Department of Public health dentistry and Oral Medicine conducted a Drug Awareness Programme in August 2024 at Madha Dental College & Hospital for 1st and 2nd yr Students.
  • World No Tobacco Day – Flash Mob – in association Cancer Institute was held at Anna Nagar Tower, VR Mall, Koyambedu Metro on 31st May 2024.
  • Postgraduate Kumaresh P won the Best Paper Presentation in the 27th National IAPHD Conference @ SGT University, Gurugram held on December 1st – 3rd 2023.
  • Department of Public health dentistry conducted the Clinical Society Meeting in August 2023 held in Madha Dental College & Hospital.
  • Postgraduates Princy Annuncia & Dr. Kumaresh P won the Best poster awards at the State Level Article Symposium 2023 held at Thai moogambikai Dental College, Chennai in March 2023.

FACILITIES

Mobile Dental Clinic

A mobile dental van is equipped to screen under-served rural and urban communities for common oral health conditions and to raise awareness. The Mobile Dental Clinic has two dental chairs in the treatment area. It is specifically designed to travel on narrow roads in rural communities.

Tobacco Cessation Clinic

The Tobacco Cessation Clinic is an initiative of the Dept of Public Health Dentistry in association with the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, where Tobacco cessation counselling will be provided to patients who want to quit tobacco usage. The TCC is equipped with a Carbon Monoxide breath Analyzer and multiple audio visual aids for counselling of patients.

Peripheral Centers

The peripheral centers affiliated with the Department of Public Health Dentistry at Madha Dental College & Hospital serve as crucial extensions, addressing oral healthcare needs within the local community. These centers act as accessible hubs, strategically positioned to provide essential dental services to the surrounding population. With a focus on preventive care, community outreach programs, and oral health education, these centers play a pivotal role in promoting overall well-being. By actively engaging with the community, the peripheral centers contribute significantly to enhancing oral health awareness and ensuring comprehensive dental care for the region. Through their dedicated efforts, these centers uphold the institution’s commitment to advancing public health dentistry.

Programs

LAB

Faculty

Dr. Nandabalan I, MDS

Professor & HOD

Dr. Zoha Abdullah, MDS

Reader

Dr. Arun Kumar, MSc, MDS

Reader

Dr. Elakiya S, MDS

Senior Lecturer

Dr. Canty Sandra, MDS

Senior Lecturer

Dr. Rajkumar C, MDS

Senior Lecturer

ONGOING RESEARCH

S No Title of the projects Principal Investigator
1 Analysis of tobacco usage, risk factors, nicotine dependence and exhaled carbon monoxide level among government bus drivers in Chennai – A cross sectional study Dr. Kumaresh P (PG Student)
2 Comparative evaluation of penetration depth, marginal adaptation and micro leakage between conventional, hydrophilic and bioactive pit and fissure sealant in extracted third molars – an in vitro study. Dr. Princy Annuncia E (PG student)
3 Knowledge and attitude towards de-professionalization among dental health professionals. Dr. Princy Annuncia E (PG student)
4 Tobacco use and associated factors among general population in Chennai, India. Dr. Kumaresh P (PG Student)
5 Distribution and determinants of the use of cool lip (filtered khaini) and its oral implications among school children aged 12-15 years in Chennai, India. Dr. Arun Kumar S (Faculty)
6 Knowledge of ameloglyphics and forensic dentistry among dental students in Chennai, India. Shakthi, Sheeba, Sindhu & Siva (3rd Year UG)
7 Knowledge and practice of Biomedical waste management among health care students in Chennai, India. Sneha, Sowmya & Sridharshini (3rd Year UG)
8 Knowledge of the application of stem cell therapy in oral health among dental students in Chennai, India. Umar Farooq (3rd Year UG)
9 Knowledge and Awareness of oral health care in pregnant women among dental students in Chennai, India. Vaishnavi, Varshini, Venmathi (3rd Year UG)
10 Awareness of dental material toxicity among dental students in Chennai, India. Vikramathithan, Vignesh, Vinithra, Vidula K (3rd Year UG)
11 Comparative analysis of self medication among dental, nursing and physiotherapy students in Chennai, India. Youkith K, Vishnu & Yuvashree (3rd Year UG)
12 Knowledge of dental students about application of digital technology in Chennai, India. Brindha, Dashika, Devika (3rd year UG)
13 Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practice of placebo effect of NSAIDs among dental students in Chennai, India. Suryaprakash, Susan, Sumaiya, Thamizhvani (3rd Year UG)
14 Prevalence of periodontitis among 35-44 years old adults in Tamil Nadu – a systematic review. Stebhi, Sudharshan, Swetha (3rd Year UG)
15 Evaluation of the complications of root canal treatment done by UG dental students in Chennai, India. Maimoona, Sajitha, Mirdhulla (3rd Year UG)
16 Knowledge, Attitude and practice towards internet usage and artificial intelligence (AI) among dental students in Chennai, India. Nithya, Nandini, Nivedha (3rd Year UG)
17 Knowledge, awareness and practices on medical emergencies among dental students in Chennai, India. Reshma, Ruthran, Sabari, Sai Pradeepa (3rd Year UG)
18 Preventive effect of Fluoridated And Fluoride free toothpastes on Enamel erosion caused by Industrialized sports drinks: An In Vitro Study Dr. Princy Annuncia E (PG student)
19 Comparison of Remineralizing potential of silver diamine fluoride, NovaMin, and Silver fluoride using confocal laser microscopy - An in vitro study. Dr. Kumaresh P (PG student)
20 Knowledge of genes responsible for dental caries among dental students. Arthi B, Ananya B, Arikaran R (3rd Year UG)

PUBLICATIONS

  • 2024 Publications

  • 2023 Publications

  • 2022 Publications

  • 2021 Publications

  • 2020 Publications

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

STUDENTS AWARDS

December 2023

Postgraduate Dr. Kumaresh P won the Best Paper Presentation in the 27th National IAPHD Conference @ SGT University, Gurugram held on December 1st – 3rd 2023.

August 2023

Clinical Society Meet conducted by the Department of Public health Dentistry.

The session was chaired by Dr. Gautham, Prof & Head of Dept of Periodontics and Dr. Charumathy, Prof & Head of Dept of Oral Medicine & Radiology.

Postgraduates Dr. Kumaresh, Dr. Princy Annuncia and Undergraduate students Dr. Amreena, Dr. Mukesh presented papers on various topics of public health significance.

March 2023

Postgraduates Dr. Princy Annuncia & Dr. Kumaresh P won the Best poster awards at the State Level Article Symposium 2023 held at Thai moogambikai Dental College, Chennai in March 2023.

Events & Scientific Presentations

November 2024 - MOU - Manasu & MDCH

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Manasu (Home for Differently abled) and the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Madha Dental College & Hospital on 04/11/2024.

October 2024 - MOU - Madras Christian College & MDCH

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Madras Christian College and the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Madha Dental College & Hospital on 07/10/2024.

September 2024 - MOU - Sports University & MDCH

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Tamil Nadu Physical Education & Sports University and the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Madha Dental College & Hospital on 25/09/2024.

September 2024 - Field Visit - Sports University

The Department of Public Health Dentistry took the Third year undergraduate students for a field visit to the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, Chennai on 24th September. The students were shown the various departments, labs and facilities in the university.

September 2024 - Field Visit - Water Treatment Plant

Between 10th to 12th of September 2024, The Department staff, postgraduate students, 84 final year students visited the water treatment plant at Chembarambakkam.

July 2024 - 31 Outreach Camps in Poonamallee Block

The Department of Public Health Dentistry in association with the Collectors Office, Kanchipuram organized 31 Screening Camps in Government Schools in the Poonamallee Block for about 3,500 School Children.

February 2024

The Department of Public Health Dentistry held a CDE program titled “F4 Pit Stop – Management of Dental Fluorosis” on 19.02.2024 at Madha Dental College & Hospital. Dr. Subash Sharma, Professor and head of the department of aesthetic dentistry at Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, served as the keynote speaker. He provided a comprehensive overview of dental fluorosis, highlighting its impact on oral health and self-esteem, and discussed varying degrees of severity to guide treatment approaches.

12/12/2022

CDE Program on ‘Ethics in Research & Communication skills in Dentistry’

Speakers:
Dr. Anitha, Professor & Head, Public Health Dentistry, Balaji Dental College, Chennai
Dr. Akhila, Professor & Head in charge, Public Health Dentistry, Sri Ramachandra Dental College, Chennai

11/01/2023

Drugs Awareness Rally from Madha Dental College Campus to Kundrathur bus stand

Chief guest: Thiru K Adhiveerapandyan TPS, Deputy Commisioner of Police, Tambaram District

Guests of honor:
Thiru A Seenivasan, ACP, Tambaram Range
Thiru D Arokiya Ravindran, ACP, Pallavaram Range

March 2023

World Oral Health Day

Oral Health Screening and Awareness Camp held at ECI Nursery and Primary School, Nandambakkam and Sri Jayendra Saraswati College of Optometry to raise awareness about oral health and its importance on general well being.

Total Patients benefited – 217

31/05/2023

World No Tobacco Day

An oral health screening, education and awareness program was held in New Chennai Deaddiction and Rehabilitation Center, Mangadu on 31st May 2023.

Tobacco Cessation Counselling services were provided for patients with tobacco smoking / chewing habits.

Patients benefited – 39

June 2023

School Adoption

Padma Subramaniam Bala Bhavan School, Mangadu was adopted by the Department of Public health dentistry on 21/06/2023.

A Memorandum of understanding was signed by both parties that oral Health Screening, Health Education and treatment services will be provided to the students of the school on a periodic basis.

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