GDCH, Mumbai: Advancing Tobacco Control Through Ethical Governance (Conflict of Interest Declaration for Tobacco Control) and Capacity Building (Tobaccology Training Program 2026)

Title: GDCH, Mumbai: Advancing Tobacco Control Through Ethical Governance (Conflict of Interest Declaration for Tobacco Control) and Capacity Building (obaccology Training Program 2026)

On 6th and 7th April 2026, the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai spearheaded two high-impact initiatives that collectively strengthened the continuum of tobacco control—from policy integrity to clinical practice. On 6th April 2026, the institution demonstrated exemplary leadership by enforcing robust conflict-of-interest policies in alignment with global tobacco control frameworks, safeguarding public health from industry influence. Building on this foundation, on 7th April 2026, a comprehensive Tobaccology Training Program empowered dental interns with advanced, evidence-based skills in tobacco cessation and behavioural counselling, reinforcing their role as frontline advocates for a tobacco-free society.

EVENT-1

GDCH, MUMBAI: STRENGTHENING TOBACCO CONTROL THROUGH ETHICAL INTEGRITY AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST COMPLIANCE

Date: 06/04/2026
Venue: Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai

Website Link: https://gdcmumbai.edu.in/conflict-of-interest/

Rationale

Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality globally, significantly impacting individuals, families, and communities. Recognizing the pervasive influence of the tobacco industry on public health policies, the Government Dental College & Hospital (GDCH), Mumbai has taken a proactive leadership role in ensuring ethical integrity in tobacco control efforts. The institution aligns its initiatives with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC), particularly Article 5.3, which addresses the protection of public health policies from tobacco industry interference. 

Policy Alignment & Institutional Commitment

In accordance with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India (7th July 2020) code of conduct and directives from the Dental Council of India (24th August 2020), GDCH, Mumbai has ensured strict implementation of conflict-of-interest guidelines across all institutional activities. The institution stands as one of the leading and pioneering dental colleges in India to actively adopt and operationalize these policies, reinforcing its commitment to transparent and ethical public health practices.

Core Interventions & Institutional Practices

GDCH, Mumbai has institutionalized a comprehensive framework to prevent tobacco industry interference, including:

• Promotion of a tobacco-free and addiction-free environment within institutional and community settings 
• Integration of tobacco cessation, prevention, and awareness programs into outreach and academic activities 
• Enforcement of ethical, transparent, and accountable practices in all public health initiatives 
• Active resistance to tobacco industry influence in research, funding, and policy engagement 

Conflict of Interest Declaration

GDCH, Mumbai has formally declared a zero-tolerance policy towards tobacco industry association, ensuring that:

• No direct or indirect collaboration with the tobacco industry is undertaken 
• No financial or in-kind support, sponsorship, or funding is accepted from tobacco-related entities 
• No investment relationships exist with tobacco-associated organizations 
• No endorsement or promotion of tobacco-related activities is permitted 
• Continuous efforts are made to prevent interference in public health policies and programs 

Impact & Significance

This initiative reinforces GDCH, Mumbai’s role as a model institution in ethical tobacco control, contributing to:

• Strengthening evidence-based public health governance 
• Building trust and credibility in institutional practices 
• Supporting national and global efforts toward a tobacco-free society 
• Protecting vulnerable populations from industry-driven health risks 

Conclusion

Through strict adherence to conflict-of-interest principles and proactive implementation of WHO-FCTC guidelines, GDCH, Mumbai exemplifies leadership in ethical public health practice. This initiative marks a significant step towards achieving a healthier, tobacco-free future, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to safeguarding community health.

EVENT- 2

GDCH, Mumbai: Tobaccology Training Program 2026- “Tobacco Dependence Treatment Training – Level 1”

Date: 7th April 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Venue: Swadhyay Hall, Government Dental College & Hospital, Mumbai
Organized by: Department of Public Health Dentistry
In association with: LifeFirst

Rationale

In alignment with the theme of World Oral Health Day 2026 and on occasion of World Health Day, the Department of Public Health Dentistry conducted a value-added Tobaccology Training Program to empower dental interns with critical competencies in tobacco cessation. With tobacco use being a leading risk factor for oral cancer and systemic diseases, dental professionals are uniquely positioned to identify, counsel, and support patients toward cessation. This program aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical counselling skills.

Objectives

• To enhance knowledge of tobacco products, patterns of use, and health consequences 
• To understand nicotine dependence and behavioral addiction 
• To develop advanced counselling and motivational interviewing skills 
• To train interns in evidence-based tobacco cessation strategies 
• To implement structured approaches such as the 5A’s and 5R’s model 
• To integrate tobacco cessation into routine dental care 

Guest Speakers:

• Dr. Dinesh Jagiasi – Expert in public health program implementation 
• Ms. Ratandeep Chawla – Specialist in addiction counselling and behavioral therapy 

Their sessions provided valuable real-world insights into counselling strategies and public health interventions.

Program Highlights

The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 70 dental interns, who underwent a full-day intensive training combining didactic sessions, interactive discussions, and applied learning.

The inaugural session included lamp lighting, welcome address, and felicitation of esteemed speakers, followed by a pre-test assessment to evaluate baseline knowledge.

Scientific Sessions & Lecture Topics

The academic component of the training was delivered through structured modules covering:

Module 1: Introduction to Tobacco and Its Impact

• Types of tobacco products (smoked & smokeless) 
• Epidemiology and prevalence of tobacco use 
• Oral and systemic health effects of tobacco 
• Burden of tobacco-related diseases in India 

Module 2: Tobacco Control Policies and Laws

• Overview of national tobacco control programs 
• Key legislations (COTPA and global frameworks) 
• Role of healthcare professionals in tobacco control advocacy 

Module 3: Nicotine Addiction and Behavioral Aspects

• Neurobiology of nicotine dependence 
• Types and stages of addiction 
• Psychological and social determinants of tobacco use 
• Identifying high-risk individuals 

Module 4: Tobacco Cessation Approaches & LifeFirst Model

• Evidence-based cessation strategies 
• The 5A’s Model (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) 
• The 5R’s Model (Relevance, Risks, Rewards, Roadblocks, Repetition) 
• Brief interventions in dental settings 
• Pharmacotherapy overview (NRT and non-NRT options) 
• Practical demonstration of counselling techniques 

Interactive Components

• Pre-test and Post-test assessments to measure knowledge gain 
• Case-based discussions to simulate real clinical scenarios 
• Question & Answer session for clarification and deeper engagement 

Outcome & Impact

• Significant improvement in participants’ knowledge as evidenced by pre- and post-test comparison 
• Enhanced confidence among interns in conducting tobacco cessation counselling 
• Development of practical, patient-centered communication skills 
• Strengthened commitment to integrating tobacco cessation into daily dental practice 

Conclusion

The Tobaccology Training Program 2026 was a resounding success, creating a strong foundation for future dental professionals to act as frontline advocates in tobacco control. By equipping interns with both knowledge and practical skills, the program contributes meaningfully toward reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases and promoting a healthier society.