The World Oral Health Day 2026 was celebrated on March 20 under the theme ‘A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life’ at Capital Convention Center, Kohima.
Gracing the occasion as Special Guest, Renabomo Odyuo (NCS), Additional Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, addressed the event, stating that the World Oral Health Day is observed globally to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral health, which is essential for overall wellbeing and in improving quality of life. He emphasized on the importance of community effort in achieving this goal, involving families, schools and healthcare workers, with a special focus on mothers, who play an important role in shaping family health habits and establishing a strong foundation for lifelong health in their children.
He also congratulated the Nagaland Dental team for achieving two National awards in the year 2025, for the ‘Best Performer’ Award in Small States on World Oral Health Day and ‘Special Recognition’ for World No Tobacco Day. He encouraged to continued excellence and urged the team to aim higher in improving oral health and in reaching more lives.
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A special remark was made by Dr. Sendimeren Aonok, Director (Health), Directorate of Health & Family Welfare (DH&FW), Kohima, where he highlighted the rising prevalence of periodontal disease, dental caries and oral cancer in the State, necessitating an integrated approach between oral health and general health. He also stated that dental surgeons are the guardians of oral health with a pivotal role in a patient’s education and in creating awareness regarding tobacco use and hygiene maintenance. He informed that the Department is upgrading every Dental Health Units in the State, in a phase-wise manner, with modern equipments such as, dental chair & unit, light cure machines, scalars with RVG (digital X-ray), computer sets, laptops, etc. He also emphasized on the importance of mother’s role in instilling good oral hygiene habits in children at an early age.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Reyosalu Lase, Addl. Director (Dental), DH&FW and welcome address was delivered by Dr. I. Arenla Walling, Director (Dental), DH&FW. The significance of the day was shared by Dr. N. Moangangba Jamir, Jt. Director (Dental) & SNO (NOHP).The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. I Simon Sumi, Dy. Director (Dental) & SNO (NTCP). This was followed by training on “Mothers role on importance of Oral Health & Overview of Oral Cancer” with Dr. Thungbeni Ngullie, Sr. Resident (NIMSR) as resource person.
