The Department of Public Health Dentistry, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, in association with Department of Preventive & Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of IOWA, USA, organized international Students Observer-ship program (ISOP) from 21.06.2019 to 01.07.2019.
A team of 6 members (one Faculty, five UG) had participated from UOI. Various outreach activities were organized by team Public Health Dentistry, IGIDS for this program.
DAY 1 – INTRODUCTION AND ORIENTATION
The team of IOWA was received from the College of Dentistry, the University of IOWA at SBV University with a warm welcome to the University by organizing a handshake with HonorableDr.S.C.Parija, Vice-chancellor, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Dean Faculty of Dentistry and other university officials. The team was given a walking tour’ to the department of public health dentistry. Later, the ice-breaking session was organized by the Department of Public Health Dentistry with the students and faculty of the university of IOWA. The team was given a brief introduction about the International Dental Students Observer-ship Program by Dr.Vikneshan, Associate professor, department of public health dentistry. The team was taken on a tour to all the departments of the dental college, where they interacted with faculty and students from other specialties. The day enclosed with lunch and resting at the hotel
Academic reflection
The students were very eager to differentiating the dental setup and procedures undertaken within the college premises. The use of models and kits impressed the students and encourages them to implement them in their teaching ways.
Non-academic reflection
The colors of India captivated the eyes of some of the students of IOWA. The team as a whole was well interactive with the colleagues of IGIDS.
DAY 2 – SCREENING AND SURVEILLANCE
The team had a briefing about the Door to Door oral cancer screening camp, on arrival to the institute at around 9.A.M. They were informed about the expected outcome of the camp and their roles in the camp were explained.
The team was led by Dr.Senthil.M, Professor and Head of Public health dentistryandDr.Vezhaventhan, Professor of Oral Pathology. They had visited the Kuttiyankuppam village, Bahour commune. The team had screened around 160 patients. The screening was done and was explained about their dental problems. The patients were given a referral slip, which can be used to avail free basic treatment from the institute as a motivation to access dental care. Oral Health education was given regarding Oral cancer for tobacco users. Candidiasis, Smokers Palate, OSMF, Leukoplakia and Lichen Planus were some of the noticeable pathologies. Debriefing and group discussion on the experience of Door to Door Oral Cancer screening camp was done at the department.
Academic reflection
The students were observant in the methodology of the screening process, especially on the usage of pop sickle sticks for the screening process. They expressed that the precancerous lesions they had observed in the camp was unique and have seen only in the textbooks or power points. Root stump was a discovery towards which they look forwarded to explore.
Nonacademic reflection
The students were relished to the warm hospitality by the villagers.
DAY 3 – SCHOOL ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM
On the 3rd day, Interns Social Responsibility to Corporate Social Responsibility program was organized at MylaiGuruji Nursery and Primary school, C.N. Palayam. The teams were guided by Dr.Senthil.M, Professor and Head of Public health dentistry and Dr. Karthikeyan, Reader of Periodontology, where General Publics’ oral health screening and delivery of emergency, palliative and primary dental care at the program, were distributed to a total of 193 patients, followed with distribution of dental books to the school children, energizing with lunch at the venue and briefing and Debriefing about the program at the program (Field Teaching) ended the day.
Academic reflection
The students experienced a massive dental treatment camp for their first time, comprising of various dental procedures of which extracting root stumps was most fascinated, especially without a radiograph. They had also actively participated in the screening process and assisted in the procedures viz. manipulation of the dental cement etc.
Non academic reflection
Experiences of working under pressure but yet as a team was shared. They were very fond of Indian traditional culture and food. Overall they were very excited to try these methods.
DAY 4 – ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Comprehensive oral care services were provided to the special children of Satya special school, Pondicherry. It was led by Dr.Vikneshan and Dr. Kavita from the department of pediatric dentistry.
Services comprising of oral health screening, delivery of emergency, palliative and primary dental care at the program and classroom oral health education was accomplished to a sum of 135 members. Lunch at the school and briefing and debriefing about the program at the school campus (field teaching) wraps the day.
Academic reflection
The students were more passionate about helping people in need. They had also actively participated in the screening process and assisted in the procedures at the camp. The students were sharp in observation and could critically analyze the activities and adapt to the situations.
Non-academicreflection
The students were more passionate about helping people in need. The students found the set up to be creative and comfortable. They remained enthusiastic throughout the day even as the lunch was delayed.
DAY 5 – ORAL HEALTH OF MARGINALIZED COMMUNITY
Comprehensive oral health program for transgender at SCOHD, Pondicherry was organized including services of oral health screening, delivery of emergency, palliative and primary dental care at the program was delivered to at least 57 people. The day continued with lunch organized by SCOHD and ended with briefing and debriefing about the program at the program(Field Teaching).
Academic reflection
The students were curious about the sterilization protocol and universal precaution followed for the special groups.
Non academic reflection
The students were appreciating the needs to help our own people. They adjusted to the constrained space provided for the program and in contrast felicitating the camp set up. They also enjoyed the south Indian traditional food provided by the camp organizers.
DAY 6 – COMPREHENSIVE ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM
The team reached the venue at around 9.A.M and grouped to perform dental procedures such as oral health screening, delivery of emergency, palliative and primary dental care for the tribal Gypsy population at Lawspet, Puducherry, for about 55 members of the available population. Lunch was served at the venue and concluded with briefing and debriefing about the program at the program (Field Teaching).
Academic reflection
The students had exposure to many patients in a short period of time. They managed to assist in screening and other procedures at the camp.
Nonacademic reflection
They were exposed to a different group of the pupil and able to appreciate the cultural difference of this community and the efficient way to set up a camp for the various procedures in a given space.
DAY 7 – “IGIDS – SBV SYMBIOSIS”
The teams gathered to the venue and were briefed about the day’s agenda. Adding on, with active participation of other volunteers an inauguration of Tobacco Cessation Center in IGIDS campus in collaboration of Government of Puducherry, Signing of MOU with “College Of Dentistry, University Of IOWA”, releasing of manuals for caretakers of special need children in collaboration with Sathya special school, Technology Transfer of patent Products with Sai supreme Medifurn, and Training for dental professionals regarding Tobacco cessation councelling
by Dr. O. Suriya Kumar – Consultant, National Tobacco Control Program, Government of Puducherry, were a few of the main programs conducted during the day.
Academic reflection
The needs and importance to reduce and stepwise eradication of tobacco in Indians were acknowledged.
Nonacademic reflection
They were able to walk in with the Indian traditional clothing and tasted the most famous Indian dish – The Biriyani which they enjoyed a lot.
DAY 8 – ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM FOR GENERAL PUBLIC
The team Ph.D. had visited the Carunai School, Reddiyarpalayam, Pondicherry which was guided by Dr. Vikneshan and Dr. Tamizh. The program included dental procedures such as oral screening, restorations, scaling and extractions was given at the school premises. A camp organized even on short notice was well organized/ prepared. Lunch was provided at the school. Briefing and Debriefing about the program at the school campus (Field Teaching).
DAY 9 – VALEDICTORY AND FEEDBACK SESSION
Mini session which summarizes the activities and certificate distribution was the scheduled programs. Beginning with portfolio presentation by students from the college of dentistry, the university of IOWA, followed with certificate presentation presided with Dr. Saravana Kumar, Principal of IGIDS, Dr. Sathyanarayan, Vice Principal of IGIDS, Team Ph.D., faculties, postgraduates and undergraduates of IGIDS. The students shared their overall experience and differences towards dentistry in a most delightful manner and brought an insight towards this field. The last day of the Interns observership program ended with a final meeting in the department and sendoff by all the faculties of the department of Public Health Dentistry and Interns.
Day with PGs of IGIDS with Dr.BruceA.Anderson
Reflections on individual students by all the faculties of the department
Benjamin Phan
He was an energetic person, who loved to have lots of fun. He was also inquisitive in learning and understanding new concepts.
Hannah Brossart
Very keen observant and quiet. She had developed a bond with our students and was also very receptive to the new conditions in the camps.
Shannon Osland
Focused person among the group, was confident in expressing her views and also took utmost care to spend the time effectively and was compassionate towards the different sets of patients.
Carolyn Silverman
Enthusiastic and fun loving. She was very friendly and was adaptable to the conditions and was also able to easily connect with students groups and patients as well.
Suya Wen
A very keen observant and was very well informed of the group. Was specific to her needs and also showed care and compassion to others needs. Had a critical view of the program and provided some useful insights.