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.
iCanQuit (India) Mobile App to quit smoking
iCanQuit (India) is a user-friendly mobile application that provides personalized resources, motivation, and real-time support to help individuals quit smoking. The app is designed to make quitting accessible and manageable for everyone, regardless of their background or where they are in their quitting journey.
Key Features of iCanQuit
1. Personalized Quit Plan
2. Motivational Reminders and Notifications
3. Expert Support and Resources
4. Relapse Prevention
5. Customizable Notifications and Settings
How iCanQuit (India) Helps You Quit Smoking?
Quitting smoking is a significant challenge, but with the right resources and support, the journey becomes much more manageable. Studies have shown that using mobile apps to quit smoking can double your chances of quitting successfully. One of the key features of iCanQuit is the ability to track your progress. Monitoring your milestones is a great way to stay motivated, and the app allows you to see your improvements in real time. In addition to tracking, iCanQuit offers access to professional guidance. Another standout feature of iCanQuit is its 24/7 support. Whether you're facing a craving at night or need a boost of motivation during the day, the app is always available to provide guidance and encouragement.
Why use iCanQuit (India) app?
> Convenient & Accessible
> Evidence-Based Methods
> Affordable and Free to Use
Who Can Benefit from iCanQuit?
> Current Smokers
> Those Who’ve Relapsed
> Supporters of Quitters