Patna: The Department of Dentistry (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Patna organised a week-long awareness campaign from 13 to 17 February to mark International Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons’ Week. The programme focused on preventing facial injuries and spreading awareness about the early signs of oral cancer. Doctors and students took part in several activities aimed at educating people both inside and outside the hospital campus.
The campaign began with a poster-making competition for students on the theme of maxillofacial trauma awareness and management. Through drawings and messages, participants highlighted the importance of road safety, wearing helmets and seeking timely medical help after accidents. Faculty members said such activities help young people understand how facial injuries can be prevented and treated effectively if addressed early.
On 14 February, a special oral cancer screening camp was held at CHC Naubatpur in collaboration with the Department of Community and Family Medicine. Doctors examined patients and explained the early symptoms of oral cancer, including persistent ulcers, white or red patches in the mouth and difficulty in swallowing. They also warned people about the harmful effects of tobacco and encouraged them to maintain good oral hygiene. Medical experts stressed that early detection can save lives and reduce the need for complex treatment.
The programme concluded with a street play performed by nursing students at the OPD foyer of AIIMS Patna. The play delivered messages on road safety, prevention of facial injuries and the importance of quick emergency response. The event was inaugurated by Prof (Brig) Dr Raju Agrawal, executive director of AIIMS Patna, who also released a video on maxillofacial trauma awareness. Dr Shivendra Choudhary, professor and head of the department of dentistry, spoke about the important role oral and maxillofacial surgeons play in treating trauma cases, detecting oral cancer and managing jaw joint disorders. Winners of the poster competition were given prizes, a road safety pledge was taken, and helmets were distributed to patients admitted in trauma-related wards to promote safety.
