Launch of International Association of Disability and Oral Health, India & Suneedhi, Special Care Clinic, Modinagar, UP September 15, 2014
Launch of the India Chapter of International Association for Disability & Oral Health (IADH), took place on September 15, 2014 at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Delhi. Dr. Dimitris Emmanouil DDS, MS, PhD, President, IADH, graced the occasion, lighting the lamp to mark the launch of the 47th member nation. Dr. Mahesh Verma, President Indian Dental Association, Dean and Director, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences and Founder President of the India Chapter, IADH, expressed strong determination to steer this program towards it meaningful outcome. While addressing the student community and other eminent guests, he mentioned launching a program that should have started years back. Dr Santosh Ravindran, Dr Sreenivas Namineni and many others with the common passion and belief, have consented to be Executive Committee members of IADH. Since its inception in 1971, IADH, a group of individuals concerned about oral health and quality of life of persons with Special needs, hosts an international congress every two years in various venues around the world. Today there are members in 47 countries, including India, and IADH has become an influential and recognized organization bringing together motivated and caring professionals in the field of Special Care Dentistry worldwide. The objectives of IADH, India chapter is to develop international communication, research, education and dissemination
of information in areas of oral health care for people with disabling condition and to represent this area of activity at national and international organizations. Dr. Reena Kumar, Principal, Divya Jyoti College of Dental Sciences & Research, Modinagar and Hony Secretary, IADH, India, called upon the student community to gear up for selfless caretaking of a community that may not ask for support, making it their humble duty as responsible citizens. Dr. Dimitris is currently Clinical Director for Special Smiles, Special Olympics Greece and has been associated with the Special Olympics program since 2007.
A figurine of Mahatma Gandhi with the spinning wheel was presented to Dr. Dimitris, by the faculty of Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences and Research. Along with initiation of the India Chapter of International Association for Oral Health & Disability, Dr. Reena who also is Clinical Director for Special Smiles, SO Bharat, officially heralding in Special Care Dentistry in its true and complete sense, led all to inaugurate a Special Care Clinic, called Suneedhi. The Clinic has taken form with valuable support coming from IADH and industry partner, Unicorn Denmart, with SO Bharat Athletes, residing around the area, benefitting from the service.
Prior to the launch of Suneedhi, the representatives of SO Bharat, led by Air Marshal (Retd) Denzil Keelor had a casual interaction with Mr. A.S. Jassar, Chairman, and Dr. Smiti Jassar Klaire, CEO, DJ group of Institutes. DJ College badges were presented to Dr. Dimitris and to all SO Bharat representatives Suneedhi, a Special Care Clinic, inaugurated on September 15,2014, gets its name from a Special child,suneedhi,meaning auspicious, who is the daughter of the Women s hostel warden there. The Clinic is located within the premises of Divya Jyoti College of Dental
Sciences & Research, Modinagar which is recognized by the Dental Council of India. The Clinic has been designed and equipped to provide treatment to persons with disabilities, while providing greatest comfort to them. Divya Jyoti Group of Institutes has a 350-bedded hospital and an upcoming medical school. Dr. Reena
expressed her desire to extend Special Care in all other fields of Medical Health, and not just restricting it to Dentistry Dr. Reena strongly acknowledges the role of Coaches in behavioural management of Persons with intellectual disabilities, which is an important aspect of mainstreaming them and which would, specifically, help in efficient delivery of oral and general health therapeutic interventions.
Dr. Reena.R. Kumar : The sports arena is a great equalizer and barrier breaker. I, now, dream of having our 550 dental students enter into the most pleasurable satisfying world of Unified Sports!