Breaking the Habit, Building Health: Substance Use Disorder Awareness at SRMKDC
The Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital, conducted an awareness programme on Substance Use Disorder Treatment from 26 January 2026 to 31 January 2026. The programme was designed to create awareness among patients and their attendants about substance use disorder and its harmful effects on both general health and oral health.
SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital is committed to delivering comprehensive oral healthcare while actively contributing to public health initiatives. As a premier institution under SRM Institute of Science and Technology, the college consistently emphasises preventive care, patient education, and community-oriented programmes that extend beyond routine clinical services.
The programme was further enriched by the presence of our esteemed guest speaker Dr. B. Kalpana Kosalram, Professor, SRM School of Public Health, whose expertise provided valuable public health perspectives on substance use disorders. The event was also graced by the leadership and guidance of Dr. N. Vivek, Dean, SRMKDC, and Dr. K. T. Magesh, Vice Principal, SRMKDC. Their insights significantly enhanced the impact and effectiveness of the awareness activities.
Throughout the programme, individual counselling sessions were conducted to motivate patients to reduce or quit harmful habits. Educational pamphlets were distributed to reinforce awareness, and nicotine replacement therapy was provided to individuals who expressed a willingness to quit tobacco use. To further strengthen understanding, informative models were exhibited and IEC materials were prepared and displayed for patients and attendants.
An awareness video on substance use disorder, created by our interns, was screened during the programme, highlighting the active involvement of students in public health education. In addition, a reels competition was conducted to encourage student participation and innovative dissemination of awareness messages through digital platforms.
The programme successfully helped patients recognise the importance of substance cessation and underlined the crucial role of oral health professionals in early identification, counselling, and prevention of substance-related disorders. Initiatives like these reflect SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital’s ongoing commitment to building a healthier society through education, compassion, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
