World No Tobacco Day Outreach Campaign 2026
Dental students from other schools within the southwest region came together to mark this memorable occasion. Dental students from Obafemi Awolowo University, Lead City University, University of Medical Sciences and University of Lagos were all present to witness the occasion.
The day began with a policy dialogue session where distinguished guests and professionals were invited to speak on the dangers of tobacco use and the need for increased awareness within our communities. The panelists in person were Dr Modupe Soyinka, the managing director of Veritas Dental Clinic, Ibadan, and Dr Timothy Heritage, a Senior Registrar in the University College Hospital, who highlighted the health implications of tobacco consumption and emphasized the importance of preventive measures and education. They also gave room for questions.
Following the policy dialogue, which ended at about 12:30p.m, the campaign continued at Sango Market for the community outreach programme. On arrival, the venue had been arranged by the University of Ibadan CODEH Chairperson and other volunteers who had put together the canopies, chairs, tables, and materials required for the outreach.
Publicity had been carried out among market men and women before the commencement of the programme, and further publicity and awareness continued upon arrival. The outreach began with a registration process handled by a member of the BDS 2K28 class. This was followed by blood pressure checks, weight measurements, and consultations with doctors for counseling.
Within a short period, people had arrived in large numbers. The turnout became so massive that the available chairs were almost insufficient. Market men and women from different parts of Sango Market came out to assess their oral health and benefit from the free medical services provided.
As the queue grew longer, a general counselling session was ongoing simultaneously. During this session, dental students educated participants on proper oral hygiene practices, demonstrating the correct brushing techniques and explaining the importance of maintaining good oral health.
The counseling sessions with the doctors involved filling questionnaires, identifying oral health conditions, and educating participants on oral hygiene practices as well as the harmful effects of tobacco use. Scaling and polishing services were also provided for the market men and women. Dental professionals attended to numerous individuals, removing accumulated calculus deposits and offering recommendations for improved oral health.
The gratitude expressed by the beneficiaries was evident, as many appreciated the opportunity to receive free oral health services and professional advice.
Souvenirs in the form of toothpaste and toothbrushes were distributed to registered participants as a means of encouraging better oral hygiene. As the day progressed and more people continued to arrive, registration was eventually brought to a close in preparation for the conclusion of the outreach. After successfully attending to all registered participants, the event came to an end.
The outreach was a meaningful way of commemorating World No Tobacco Day, promoting oral health awareness, and educating members of the public on the dangers associated with tobacco use.
Adeitan Faith Ayomikun
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