Conclave on ‘Advancing Oral Health in India’ urges for urgent attention and action

New Delhi: The “Advancing Oral Health in India – The Oral Health Collaborative Network” conclave, hosted by the Centre for Dental Education & Research at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), took place on September 29, 2024. In collaboration with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) and supported by Haleon, the event attracted over 100 experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to address pressing issues in oral health.

Coinciding with World Heart Day, the conclave highlighted the often-overlooked significance of oral health compared to cardiovascular health. While cardiovascular diseases impact approximately 7.5% of the Indian population, nearly 51% are affected by periodontal disease, underscoring the urgent need for improved oral health initiatives as a public health concern. 

Keynote speaker Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, emphasized that oral health is a fundamental aspect of the national health agenda and that universal health care (UHC) cannot be achieved without it. He urged experts to propose innovative ideas for community-based and mobile dental units and called for advancements in dental research. Dr. Paul also acknowledged AIIMS’s contributions, particularly the Centre for Dental Education and Research (CDER), in enhancing oral health care and education.

Punya Salila Srivastava, OSD in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, provided insights into the ministry’s initiatives in oral health and committed to advancing the agenda in the future. She detailed the fund allocation dedicated to improving oral health services across the country. 

The conclave focused on themes such as childhood education as a preventive strategy, where discussions centered on the necessity of early education to prevent lifelong oral health issues, and the need for a robust oral health policy framework roadmap to 2030, which included debates on the applicability of successful global policies in India. 

Additionally, participants identified gaps in oral health data collection and proposed a comprehensive framework for a reliable data collection system while exploring opportunities for public-private partnerships to enhance service delivery and resource mobilization in oral health care.

Dr. Ritu Duggal, Chief of CDER at AIIMS, stated, “It is imperative that we elevate the importance of oral health education, awareness, and preventive measures, particularly for our youth, to effectively combat the rising prevalence of oral diseases in the country.” She emphasized the need for a common platform to unite researchers, academicians, clinicians, and policymakers to address disparities in access to oral health services. 

Navneet Saluja, General Manager of Haleon India Subcontinent, highlighted, “Oral Health is closely linked to our overall health and well-being, yet it often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. Its economic and personal implications are significant, particularly in a country like India. The Oral Health Collaborate Network, a scientific initiative supported by Haleon, serves as a platform for fostering dialogue, collaboration, and action toward achieving better Oral Health for all. ”