Tobacco Cessation Clinic

The Tobacco Cessation Clinic at Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital functions as per the guidelines provided by the Dental Council of India (DCI) and the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) Puducherry. The centre started its operation on 01/06/2019 and is located at a prime area of MINDS, on the ground floor near the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology.

Spanning 859 sq ft, the clinic includes a No Tobacco Museum curated by the students of MINDS and dedicated counselling rooms. It is committed to helping individuals overcome tobacco dependence through counselling, education, and clinical support.

Team of Counsellors:

• Dr. Raj A C, Professor, Dept of OMR – Nodal Officer
• Dr. Megha B, Reader, Dept of OMR – Faculty In-Charge
• Dr. Jeena Sebastian, Professor & Head – MDS in OMR, TCC Counsellor
• Dr. Raj A C, Professor – MDS in OMR, TCC Counsellor
• Dr. Nikhilraj, Professor – MDS in OMR, TCC Counsellor
• Dr. Megha B, Reader – MDS in OMR, TCC Counsellor
• Mr. Cibin – Medical Social Worker
• Dr. Anjali – Clinical Psychologist

Patients receive expert counselling, and where required, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and medical management are also provided. Mucosal lesions related to smoking habits are managed at the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. Toluidine blue vital staining is performed to rule out dysplasia, and suspected TB cases are referred to the nodal centre for tuberculosis.

The TCC also organizes World No Tobacco Day programs, competitions, awareness sessions in schools and the community, screening camps, and Continuing Dental Education (CDE) programs. The clinic collaborates with local bodies like the Indian Dental Association (IDA) for manpower support in such initiatives.