A majority of population in rural areas do not have access to quality dental care. Primary school children and geriatric population are dependent on caretakers for health care access and transport is a hindrance in seeking quality dental care. The high concentration of practioners in the urban areas has also let a huge population inaccessible to dental care. Employees working in public, private and corporate sectors tend to neglect their dental health due to lack of time and awareness. The under privileged sectors that include people in imprisonment and differently abled children are also inaccessible to dental care.
Practice:Our institution has adopted organizations from different sectors of the society including public, private, underprivileged and corporate sectors for access to dental care.Regular dental camps are being conducted in nearby areas such as schools, colleges, retirement homes, orphanages and community centers including people with special needs. Various outreach programs and rally are being conducted on special days like World oral health day, World No Tobacco day and Oral hygiene day. We have also established Satellite centers in Saravanampatti and Sulur to cater to the needs of surrounding villages.
Evidence of success:A total of 60 free dental checkup and health awareness camps were organized and conducted by the Department of Public Health Dentistry and more than 3000 patients were examined each year.
Problems encountered and resources required:Covid 19 posed a great challenge in conducting dental camps from 2020 to 2021, yet camps were organized following effective Covid protocol for the benefit of patients. We faced problems in providing access to dental care to remote villages.
The world’s need for environmental sustainability is increasing with the adverse impact of deforestation,climate change and global warming. Technology and innovation are paramount for the progress of any nation but the carbon footprint it leaves behind is detrimental. The need to incorporate eco-friendly ways of producing and consuming as well as efficient use of energy, water, and natural resources is imperative for our survival and future wellbeing.Today the whole world has a pressing issue on the net zero carbon which can be achieved by sustainability. Alternate energy resources like solar energy need to be utilized to a greater extent. The use of plastic is a menace to the environment and a strict ban is enforced on the same.
Practice:Numerous trees of about 1,635 in number have been planted in our campus that improves the air quality in the surroundings. In addition to this herbal garden is being maintained in our institution. We have enforced strict restrictions on the entry of vehicles and battery operated vehicles are in use within the campus. A strict ban on plastic has been enforced in the campus and the concept of REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE is promoted. Renewable energy systems have been implemented for regular activities.
Evidence of success:The march towards a greener world and a better future has created a great impact amongst our students. Students are actively participating in conserving the environment. The use of battery operated vehicles has reduced carbon emissions to a great extent. The students are also keen on participating in SWACH BARATH programs.
Problems encountered and resources required:Moving towards green energy is a great leap in current scenario. In that sense more resources is required for energy conservation, for example in the case of battery-driven technology, five major attributes such as power, energy, longevity, safety and cost of the battery need to be considered.