Advanced Cancer Screening Training Program for Dentists (ACSTP-O4)

MoHFW is in the process of rolling out population-based cancer screening of cervical, breast and oral cancers in the primary health care system, under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS). In India we have a huge burden of oral cancer arising from both smoking and chewing tobacco that is culturally ingrained. Dentists are entrusted with not only screening for oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral cancer but also expected to counsel the community in hazards of tobacco and tobacco cessation. This course will enlighten the participants on both these aspects.

Epidemiology and risk factors for oral cancers, histopathology, diagnosis and management of OPMDs, diagnosis and management of oral cancers, health hazards of tobacco use, nicotine and areca nut addiction and how to tackle addiction disorders, including tobacco and alcohol addiction, relapse counseling etc are some of the topics that will be dealt with during this program.

Focus Area: Oral cancer screening (& tobacco cessation)

Format of Program – Duration, Frequency and Schedule:

Duration: 15 weeks, 1.5 hour (3-4.30 pm)

• Frequency: Once a week
• Schedule: 13 Oct 2020 to 19 Jan 2021

1 week before the first session of the training program – Pre-training evaluation quiz

(MANDATORY)

1 week before the first session – Orientation on the usage of Zoom & ECHO etiquettes

Module Session details:

Didactics by Expert – upto 40 min

Q&A – upto 10 min

Case discussions by Spokes (3-4)

After the final session of the training program – Post-training evaluation quiz (MANDATORY)

Aim:

Knowledge gain about oral cancer screening & tobacco cessation assessed by pre & post training evaluation surveys. Spoke is required to attend a score of atleast 80% in post-training evaluation quiz.

Change in attitudes & practice assessed through pre & post training evaluation surveys.

Outcomes:

Dentist will be trained in oral cancer screening (& tobacco cessation) in order to implement population-based cancer screening at their health facility.

Certificate of Course Completion from ICMR-NICPR.

Eligibility criteria:

Attend atleast 12 out of total 15 sessions

Atleast 1 case presentation (on oral cancer screening &/or tobacco cessation)

Minimum 80% score in the post-evaluation evaluation survey

Complete both pre & post training evaluation surveys