The first Annual National Cons Endo Week which was themed “Caries Prevention Program” was celebrated at IGIDS from the 5th to 11th of March, 2017. Three separate programs were successfully conducted by the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, IGIDS, SBV University, Puducherry, in association with Indian academy of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics (IACDE) commemorating the Cons Endo Week.
The first program conducted was an inter-school poster competition for the topic “Tooth Cavities the way I know it” for middle school children (5th -8th standard) on the 7th of March, 2017. An overwhelming response was received, with over 55 enthusiastic students participating from different schools. The children showcased their talents to four seasoned judges, who selected six of the best presentations and presented them with goodies. At the end of the day, the participants and accompanying parents were gathered for an interactive session on oral hygiene practices.
The second program was an intra-collegiate patient education poster / video competition for undergraduate students on the 9th of March, 2017. Out of 35 entries, top three best posters and the best video were awarded based on the judge’s decision.
The third program was a walkathon through the heart of Pondicherry ending with a screening camp at the beach on the 11th of March, 2017. Around 200 volunteers including students and doctors from Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Pillayarkuppam, Puducherry participated in this walkathon. After the inauguration by Dr. Carounanidy Usha Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, SBV University, Puducherry, walkathon started from Raja Theatre at 3:00 PM proceeded via JN Nehru Street and ended at the Mahatma Gandhi Statue, Beach. In this walkathon the volunteers carried placards, emphasizing the importance of tooth cavity prevention. Following the walkathon, the Screening and patient education Camp for public near Mahatma Gandhi statue had begun at 4:00 pm which went on successfully till 7:00 pm. Tooth decay prevention aids such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, floss and interdental tooth brushes were distributed free of charge.
