At CHIP Foundation, we believe that oral health is integral
to overall well-being. Unfortunately, many individuals face barriers to
accessing quality dental care, leading to undiagnosed dental issues that can
significantly impact their health and quality of life. To address this, we are
proud to present our Oral Health Screening Outreach Program, designed to bring
essential dental screenings and education directly to communities in need.
Our Objectives:
> Identify Early Signs of Oral Disease: Early detection of
issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer can help prevent more
serious health problems down the line.
> Provide Preventive Care: Offer guidance on maintaining good
oral hygiene practices and information about preventive measures like regular
brushing, flossing, and diet.
> Raise Awareness: Educate communities about the importance of
oral health, its connection to overall health, and available dental care
resources.
Key Components of the Program
1. Free Oral Health Screenings We provide comprehensive oral health screenings at various outreach events, where trained dental professionals assess the condition of individuals' teeth, gums, and mouths. These screenings help identify early symptoms of common oral health issues, such as: Tooth decay and cavities, Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis, Oral cancers, Malocclusions (misalignment of teeth), Impact of smoking, diet, and lifestyle on oral health.
2. Educational Workshops and Seminars
Along with screenings, we offer informative sessions designed to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. Topics include: Proper brushing and flossing techniques, The importance of regular dental visits, Nutrition and its impact on oral health, Oral health for different age groups (children, seniors, etc.), Recognizing signs of oral disease.
3.Tobacco Cessation Support Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable oral health problems. To combat this, our outreach program includes tobacco cessation support to help individuals quit smoking or using other tobacco products. We offer: Information on the effects of tobacco on oral health, Quit-smoking resources and programs.
iECHO Program by CHIP Foundation – Empowering Healthcare Providers for Early Detection and Tobacco Cessation
The iECHO Program run by the CHIP Foundation is transforming
healthcare delivery in underserved communities through remote education,
mentorship, and capacity building. Using the ECHO model, the program connects
healthcare providers with experts in oral health, breast and cervical cancer
screening, and tobacco cessation, empowering them with the knowledge and tools
they need to improve patient care, reduce health disparities, and promote
healthier lifestyles.
>>> Program Focus Areas
1. Oral Cancer Screening and Prevention
Early detection is critical for effective treatment of oral cancers. The iECHO Program offers virtual training to healthcare providers on how to conduct thorough oral health screenings and identify early signs of oral cancer. This component of the program empowers local providers with the knowledge and tools needed to:
> Recognize the early symptoms of oral cancer and pre-cancerous lesions.
> Understand the latest screening techniques and treatment options for oral cancers.
> Address risk factors like tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and poor diet that contribute to oral health issues.
2. Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women worldwide, but with early detection through screening, survival rates can significantly improve. Through the iECHO Program, CHIP Foundation provides healthcare professionals with real-time tele-mentoring on how to perform breast self-exams and conduct clinical breast exams. The program focuses on:
> Educating healthcare providers on the latest breast cancer screening guidelines and techniques.
> Empowering local providers to educate women in their communities on the importance of regular breast cancer screenings and self-exams.
> Addressing barriers to screening, such as cultural factors, fear of diagnosis, and lack of access to healthcare.
3. Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention
Cervical cancer is largely preventable with regular screening and early intervention. Through iECHO, CHIP Foundation offers training to healthcare workers on the Pap smear test, HPV testing, and how to counsel patients about cervical cancer prevention. The focus of this program includes:
> Providing up-to-date knowledge on cervical cancer screening, prevention strategies, and the latest treatment protocols.
> Training healthcare providers to conduct Pap smears and interpret results effectively.
> Offering support for providers to address screening hesitancy and promote preventive care in communities where cervical cancer rates are high.
4. Tobacco Cessation Program Tobacco use remains a major risk factor for a wide range of cancers, including oral, breast, and cervical cancers. The Tobacco Cessation component of the iECHO Program is designed to equip healthcare providers with the tools and knowledge to support patients in quitting tobacco and how to set up Tobacco Cessation Clinic. This program covers:
> Tobacco cessation counseling: Healthcare workers receive training on evidence-based strategies to help individuals quit smoking, including motivational interviewing and behavior modification techniques.
> Pharmacological treatments: Providers are trained to prescribe and manage nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and other cessation medications.
> Addressing barriers to cessation: The program explores the common challenges patients face when trying to quit and provides strategies for overcoming these barriers, including addiction support and addressing social determinants of health.
Areca Nut Use in India: Myths, Realities, and Health Risks
The CHIP Foundation, in collaboration with ECHO India, proudly launched the ECHO-CHIP Certificate Course on Areca Nut Use in India — a first-of-its-kind capacity-building initiative aimed at addressing the growing public health concern surrounding areca nut (supari) consumption.
Course Objectives
To build awareness among healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers about the health impacts of areca nut use.
To debunk common myths and present evidence-based realities.
To highlight the biological, social, and policy-related dimensions of areca nut addiction.
To build capacity for prevention, early intervention, and advocacy.
Why Focus on Areca Nut?
Areca nut is one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances in India, often considered culturally acceptable and socially normalized. However, scientific evidence has firmly established its carcinogenic and addictive properties. Despite being linked to oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and oral cancers, public awareness and regulatory frameworks remain limited.
This course seeks to bridge that gap.
Course Structure
The course includes interactive expert-led sessions, panel discussions, and evidence-based learning through the ECHO model (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes). Sessions cover a broad spectrum of topics, including:
Epidemiology and risk factors
Consumption trends (India and global context)
Health effects and biological mechanisms
Addiction science
Legal and policy challenges
Community engagement strategies
Who Should Attend?
Public health professionals
Medical and dental practitioners
Students of medicine, public health, and social work
Policy advocates and researchers
NGOs and frontline health workers
Our Approach
Using the ECHO model, the course ensures ongoing mentorship, peer learning, and dissemination of knowledge from experts to a wide range of participants across India — promoting actionable insights and collaborative public health solutions.
Get Involved
If you're interested in participating, collaborating, or learning more about the ECHO-CHIP initiative, please
Contact Us:
info@chipfoundation.org
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Together, let’s raise awareness, challenge myths, and take action against the silent threat of areca nut addiction.
info@chipfoundation.org
Together, let’s raise awareness, challenge myths, and take action against the silent threat of areca nut addiction.