The National Oral Health Programme (NOHP), Nagaland, under the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, held a State Review Meeting and Training for Dental Surgeons on the 27th and 28th of August 2025 at the IDSP Hall, Kohima. The programme, chaired by Dr. Reyosalu Lase, Joint Director (Dental) & State Nodal Officer, NOHP, brought together dental surgeons from across the state for review, training, and recognition of excellence. The event was graced by Dr. Mereninla Senlem, Principal Director of Health & Family Welfare, as the Special Guest, and Dr. Avile Zao, Mission Director, National Health Mission, as the Guest of Honor.
In her special remarks, Dr. Avile Zao congratulated the dental fraternity for their dedicated service and highlighted the vital role of dental surgeons in promoting oral hygiene, addressing the harmful effects of tobacco, and improving preventive care. She also drew attention to rapid advancements in dental science such as tele-dentistry, 3D printing, implants, laser treatments, CAD/CAM technology, and artificial intelligence, encouraging dental surgeons to stay updated and make full use of the upgraded facilities being provided under NHM and NOHP to strengthen dental services across the state.
Delivering her exhortation, Dr. Mereninla Senlem congratulated the dental fraternity on Nagaland’s recognition as the “Best Performer” in the Small States Category during World Oral Health Day 2025 activities, calling it a proud milestone and a reflection of teamwork and dedication. She emphasized that patients must remain the top priority, advising dental surgeons to balance OPD responsibilities with outreach work. She further noted that Dental Health Units are being progressively upgraded NOHP through NHM, every dental unit has been provided with modern equipment such as dental chairs & unit, scalers, light cure machines, X-rays and X-rays, and some with RVG (digital X-rays) with computer/laptops etc. and encouraged professionals to ensure these facilities are effectively utilized, particularly for patients in rural and far-flung areas.
The proceedings included a welcome address by Dr. Arenla Walling, Additional Director (Dental), and presentations by thirty-seven health units moderated by senior dental surgeons, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. I. Simon Sumi, Deputy Director (Dental) & SNO, NTCP. Awards were also presented to recognize outstanding contributions: Best Dental Health Unit – Naga Hospital Authority Kohima; Principal Director’s Commendation award for Best Dental Surgeon – Dr. Esther Chopy (DH Mon); Best Dental Hygienist – Dr. Lemshikala Longkumer (DH Longleng); and Best Dental Assistant – Mengusenuo Sachü (DH Dimapur).
The two-day event aims to review the performance of dental health units across the state, strengthen clinical and preventive dental care services, and enhance the skills of dental surgeons through training and interactive sessions.
(DIPR)
