Sakeena Itoo calls for equal recognition of dental professionals with MBBS doctors at 16th IDA J&K Dental Conference
Srinagar: Minister for Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today addressed the 16th Indian Dental Association (IDA) J&K Dental Conference held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
In her address, the Minister lauded the vital contributions of dental professionals in strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare system, stressing that oral health is a cornerstone of overall well-being and must be more prominently integrated into general healthcare policies.
Sakeena noted that oral health has long been overlooked, but growing awareness has revealed its critical role in preventing systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, and respiratory infections. She emphasized that regular dental check-ups and oral hygiene practices have become an essential routine, particularly among the younger generation.
Urging dental professionals to promote oral hygiene awareness, the Minister said, “Dentists are not merely tooth doctors; they are integral to preventive and systemic healthcare. It is high time that dental professionals are given due recognition and status at par with MBBS doctors.” Her statement was met with loud applause from an audience of leading dental experts, practitioners, and students.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing dental education and oral health awareness, Sakeena Itoo said that policy initiatives are being explored to strengthen dental infrastructure, research, and service delivery in both urban and rural areas. She also mentioned that the government is working on creating more employment opportunities for dental professionals across the Union Territory.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan, and Principal of Indira Gandhi Government Dental College and Hospital Jammu, Dr. Parveen A. Lone, also addressed the conference.
The two-day event, organized by the J&K chapter of the Indian Dental Association, brought together eminent academicians and practitioners from across the country to deliberate on advances in dental science, public health dentistry, and innovations in oral care technologies.
