Bhubaneswar: The Institute of Dental Sciences, faculty of Dental Sciences of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University (SOA) here, in collaboration with the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) organised a Co-Development Workshop on the ‘Anant Muskaan Project’, a multi-site implementation research initiative aimed at improving oral health among primary school children in India on Tuesday.
The project is funded by the ICMR and is considered a vital initiative aiming at ensuring improvement of oral health in children by introducing good oral health practices from a young age.
The workshop was graced by several dignitaries and functionaries who witnessed the launching of the mascots ‘Anant’ and ‘Muskaan’ symbolizing the project’s vision to ensure healthy smiles among school children.
The dignitaries present included Shri Bishwanath Tarai, Joint Director of Elementary Education, Dr. Sanjay Chandra Ray, Chief District Medical Officer, Khurda, Dr. Ranjan Mitra, Additional Director, Public Health, Dr. Indira Rath, Additional Director, Public Health (Leprosy), Dr. Girija Shankar, Senior Consultant, Non-communicable Diseases, District Epidemiologist and Manager, Rashtriya Bal Swashthya Karyakram (RBSK).
Besides, Medical Officers, Dentists and Block Education Officers from Khurda, Jatni and Balianta blocks were present.
Prof. (Dr.) Neeta Mohanty, Pro-Vice Chancellor, SOA and Dr. Ruchi Bhuyan, Dean, IDS felicitated the guests while Prof. (Dr.) Mohanty highlighted the institutional commitment to advancing oral health research and outreach.The workshop noted the project’s successful completion of one year of implementation and the efforts being made to strengthen the program’s reach and sustainability.
Shri Tarai suggested that a component of the Anant Muskaan program should be incorporated into the monthly Parent-Teacher Meetings in government schools to ensure parental involvement in reinforcing the healthy practices at home.
Dr. Rath extended support for developing information, education and communication (IEC) materials to strengthen the outreach of the program while Dr. Shankar recommended its integration into the state curriculum and extension to upper primary students.
The Anant Muskaan Project, presently under implementation in five blocks of Khurda district, includes regular monitoring, awareness campaigns and capacity building sessions to reinforce its impact.