ORGANISATION/ FACULTY CHART

 OVERVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT

 The Department of Public Health Dentistry, previously known as Community Dentistry, at the Government Dental College, Srinagar, plays a pivotal role in promoting oral health and preventing dental diseases at a population level. This department is dedicated to the study, research, and practice of dental public health, focusing on the prevention of oral diseases and improving dental health outcomes in the community. This is a unique dental specialty that deals with the Prevention And Control of Oral Diseases, Which Treats The Community As A Patient Rather Than The Individual.

 Established with the vision of addressing the oral health needs of the population, the department offers a range of services including oral health education, preventive dental care, and screening programs for early detection of oral diseases. The Department conducts outreach activities- screening camps, and awareness programmes which sensitize the students to the dental needs of the community, especially towards those sections for whom quality dental care remains a distant prospect. It emphasizes the development and implementation of public health policies, community-based outreach programs, and the promotion of oral hygiene practices among different segments of the population, particularly in underserved and rural areas.The department runs three (3) Satellite centers in rural or remote areas of Sallar, Tangmarg and Fakir Gujri where students and faculty engage in health promotion and disease prevention activities.

 Department is very well equipped with 16 dental chairs for carrying out all comprehensive dental care for OPD patients. Department also has its own seminar room for students to improve their knowledge and skills in an interactive manner. Other than this the department is equipped with the necessary potable infrastructure to conduct oral health outreach activities, awareness programs, and research projects aimed at understanding the epidemiology of dental diseases in the region. It collaborates with local health authorities, schools, and Government & non-governmental organizations to conduct community-oriented initiatives. These programs are designed to raise awareness about the importance of oral health, early detection of diseases, and the significance of preventive care for decreasing the burden of disease on community and country at large.

 In addition to community outreach, the department offers training to undergraduate in public health dentistry, enabling them to acquire the skills necessary to serve the community effectively. The curriculum includes epidemiology, biostatistics, research methodology, health administration, preventive dentistry and health promotion strategies, which prepare students to address the challenges of dental public health at both individual and community levels.

Overall, the Department of Public Health Dentistry at the Government Dental College, Srinagar, is a vital institution in the region, dedicated to improving public health and ensuring equitable access to oral healthcare services for all and improving the quality of life.

INTRODUCTION TO HOD

Dr. Aasim Farooq Shah serves as the In-charge Head of the Department of Public Health Dentistry at the Government Dental College, Srinagar. A dedicated and accomplished professional, Dr. Shah has been instrumental in advancing the field of dental public health in the region. With a passion for improving oral health at the community level, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at promoting preventive dental care and raising awareness about the importance of oral health and its relation to general health.

Dr. Shah’s expertise lies in the prevention and control of dental diseases, particularly in underserved and rural areas where access to dental care is limited. Under his leadership, the department has successfully organized outreach programs, dental camps, and public health awareness campaigns in various districts of Valley that have significantly impacted the oral health status of the community. His approach is rooted in the principles of public health, focusing on reducing oral health disparities and promoting equity in healthcare.

In addition to his role as a clinician and public health advocate, Dr. Shah is also committed to the academic growth of his students. He actively engages in teaching and mentoring both undergraduate dental students, imparting knowledge on epidemiology, biostatistics, and preventive dentistry. His emphasis on research and evidence-based practices has contributed to the department’s growing reputation as a centre for excellence in public health dentistry.

Dr. Aasim Farooq Shah continues to be a driving force in the field, working towards creating a healthier, more informed population through his leadership and dedication to community dentistry.

 ACHIEVEMENTS/ EVENTS/ PROGRAMS BY THE DEPARTMENT

 The Department of Public Health Dentistry at the Government Dental College, Srinagar, has made significant contributions to improving oral health in the region through various achievements, events, programs, and special cases. Some notable highlights include:

 1. Community Outreach Programs/ School-Based Oral Health Programs

The department regularly organizes dental health camps in rural and underserved areas, providing free dental check-ups, treatments, and education on oral hygiene. These camps reach out to populations with limited access to dental care, emphasizing the prevention of oral diseases. School programs focus on educating children about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices, proper brushing techniques, and early detection of dental issues.

2. Important Health related Day’s Celebrations

The department actively participates in Health related days by organizing large-scale public awareness campaigns. These events include educational seminars, interactive sessions, dental screenings, and the distribution of oral hygiene kits, focusing on spreading awareness about oral health across all age groups.

3. Research and Epidemiological Surveys

The department has conducted various epidemiological studies aimed at understanding the prevalence of dental diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal diseases, in the local population. The department has till date successfully gathered data for oral health status in remote frontier regions of Gurez and Tangdar. This research helps shape public health policies and improve targeted interventions for disease prevention. 

4. Tobacco Cessation Initiatives

The department has been proactive in addressing tobacco-related oral health issues. Through its tobacco cessation programs, the department provides counseling services, education, and support to individuals trying to quit smoking or using tobacco products, thus preventing oral cancer and other related diseases.

 5. Collaborations and Partnerships

The department works closely with local government health bodies, NGOs, and international organizations to strengthen its outreach programs. These collaborations help in mobilizing resources for large-scale interventions, including mass screenings and the distribution of oral hygiene products. The department in collaboration with department of Social and preventive medicine Government Medical College, Srinagar successfully is running a peripheral satellite clinic at Fakir Gujri area. Through these efforts, the Department of Public Health Dentistry continues to improve the oral health landscape in the region, particularly among underserved populations.

 INFRASTRUCTURE

 The Department of Public Health Dentistry at the Government Dental College, Srinagar has an infrastructure aimed at providing community-based oral health services and education. Here's an overview of the typical infrastructure elements for such a department:

 1. Physical Infrastructure

 Clinical Area: Equipped with 16 dental chairs in clinics separately for Undergraduates and postgraduates for carrying out all comprehensive dental care for OPD patients and basic dental units for conducting outreach programs and oral health camps.

 Portable Dental Units: The Department of Public Health Dentistry  possesses portable dental equipment to reach underserved populations which include dental chairs and clinical units.

 Seminar and Conference Rooms: For conducting educational programs, workshops, and research discussions.

 Tobacco Cessation Counselling Centre: For effective Tobacco cessation counselling.

Community Outreach Centres: The Department of Public Health Dentistry  runs three (3) Satellite centres in rural or remote areas of Kashmir Valley where students and faculty engage in health promotion and disease prevention activities.

1.      Sallar, District Anantnag

2.      Tangmarg District Baramulla

3.      Fakir Gujri, District Srinagar

 2. Academic Infrastructure

Lecture Halls: Fully equipped with audio-visual aids for lectures and presentations on public health topics.

Library: Houses reference materials, journals, and digital resources specific to public health dentistry.

Museum: the department is equipped with a walk through museum depicting the past and present of dentistry and to create awareness among visitors.

3. Human Resources

Faculty: Three Specialists in Public Health Dentistry who are involved in teaching, research, and outreach programs.

Supporting Staff:  Dental hygienists, technicians, and administrative personnel to support clinical and outreach activities.

RESEARCH PAPERS

Some of the prominent research published by department of Public health dentistry are :

 MESSAGE TO THE STUDENTS

 Dear Students, as you embark on your journey in the field of dentistry, remember that you are not just training to be healthcare professionals, but also becoming advocates of health and well-being for the community. Dentistry is a profession that demands not only clinical skill but also compassion, dedication, and a commitment to lifelong learning and individual decision making.

 Your time here at Government Dental College, Srinagar, will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in the ever-evolving world of healthcare. I encourage you to embrace every learning opportunity, both in the classroom and in the community. Develop a passion for research, stay curious, and always strive for excellence in patient care.

 As future dental professionals, you have the unique responsibility of improving the oral health of our society, especially in areas where care is limited. Through your work, you can help reduce the burden of dental diseases and contribute to the overall health of the population.

Stay motivated, be patient with yourself, and never lose sight of the impact you can have on people’s lives. The future of oral healthcare depends on young minds like yours, full of promise and potential.

Wishing you all the best in your academic and professional endeavours.