GDCH, Mumbai: Tobaccology Training Program 2026- “Tobacco Dependence Treatment Training – Level 1”

GDCH, Mumbai: Tobaccology Training Program 2026- “Tobacco Dependence Treatment Training – Level 1”

Date: 7th April 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Venue: Swadhyay Hall, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai
Organized by: Department of Public Health Dentistry
In association with: LifeFirst

Rationale

In alignment with the theme of World Oral Health Day 2026 and on occasion of World Health Day, the Department of Public Health Dentistry conducted a value-added Tobaccology Training Program to empower dental interns with critical competencies in tobacco cessation. With tobacco use being a leading risk factor for oral cancer and systemic diseases, dental professionals are uniquely positioned to identify, counsel, and support patients toward cessation. This program aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical counselling skills.

Objectives

• To enhance knowledge of tobacco products, patterns of use, and health consequences 
• To understand nicotine dependence and behavioral addiction 
• To develop advanced counselling and motivational interviewing skills 
• To train interns in evidence-based tobacco cessation strategies 
• To implement structured approaches such as the 5A’s and 5R’s model 
• To integrate tobacco cessation into routine dental care 

Guest Speakers:

• Dr. Dinesh Jagiasi – Expert in public health program implementation 
• Ms. Ratandeep Chawla – Specialist in addiction counselling and behavioral therapy 

Their sessions provided valuable real-world insights into counselling strategies and public health interventions.

Program Highlights

The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 70 dental interns, who underwent a full-day intensive training combining didactic sessions, interactive discussions, and applied learning.

The inaugural session included lamp lighting, welcome address, and felicitation of esteemed speakers, followed by a pre-test assessment to evaluate baseline knowledge.

Scientific Sessions & Lecture Topics

The academic component of the training was delivered through structured modules covering:

Module 1: Introduction to Tobacco and Its Impact

• Types of tobacco products (smoked & smokeless) 
• Epidemiology and prevalence of tobacco use 
• Oral and systemic health effects of tobacco 
• Burden of tobacco-related diseases in India 

Module 2: Tobacco Control Policies and Laws

• Overview of national tobacco control programs 
• Key legislations (COTPA and global frameworks) 
• Role of healthcare professionals in tobacco control advocacy 

Module 3: Nicotine Addiction and Behavioral Aspects

• Neurobiology of nicotine dependence 
• Types and stages of addiction 
• Psychological and social determinants of tobacco use 
• Identifying high-risk individuals 

Module 4: Tobacco Cessation Approaches & LifeFirst Model

• Evidence-based cessation strategies 
• The 5A’s Model (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) 
• The 5R’s Model (Relevance, Risks, Rewards, Roadblocks, Repetition) 
• Brief interventions in dental settings 
• Pharmacotherapy overview (NRT and non-NRT options) 
• Practical demonstration of counselling techniques 

Interactive Components

• Pre-test and Post-test assessments to measure knowledge gain 
• Case-based discussions to simulate real clinical scenarios 
• Question & Answer session for clarification and deeper engagement 

Outcome & Impact

• Significant improvement in participants’ knowledge as evidenced by pre- and post-test comparison 
• Enhanced confidence among interns in conducting tobacco cessation counselling 
• Development of practical, patient-centered communication skills 
• Strengthened commitment to integrating tobacco cessation into daily dental practice 

Conclusion

The Tobaccology Training Program 2026 was a resounding success, creating a strong foundation for future dental professionals to act as frontline advocates in tobacco control. By equipping interns with both knowledge and practical skills, the program contributes meaningfully toward reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases and promoting a healthier society.