A Dentist Stakeholder Meeting was conducted in association with ICMR Project Anant Muskaan on 24th August 2024, at Amrita School of Dentistry, Kochi. The main objective of the program was to orient dentists working in the Ernakulam district government services (NHM and DHS dentists) about our project and garner their support. Dentists associated with government services are important stakeholders in the project, and teachers and RBSK nurses will be trained through them.

The chief guest of the session was Dr. Geeta Nayar, District Nodal Officer (Dental), Ernakulam. The meeting was attended by 22 NHM and DHS dentists from Ernakulam district. The program started with a lamp lighting ceremony by Dr. Geeta Nayar. Dr. Chandrashekar Janakiram, Research Head at Amrita School of Dentistry and Principal Investigator of Anant Muskaan, provided a broad overview of the program to the dentists.

Dr. Arun Rao, Project Scientist I (Medical), explained the methodology involved in the whole process. He then initiated a discussion among the participants to address their doubts and concerns. Various apprehensions raised by the participants, such as the accidental swallowing of toothpaste by children, venues for training sessions, and addressing queries of teachers and nurses, were effectively discussed and resolved. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Athira Krishnan, Project Scientist (Non-Medical) for the Anant Muskaan project. The program was also coordinated by project technical staff Dr. Aneesa Ayoob, Dr. Krishnaja Kumar, and Gokul T. N.

The program was successful, fostering fruitful discussions. The participants promised active participation and support for the successful running and completion of the project.