Srinagar: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education,Sakeena Itoo, recently addressed the 16th Indian Dental Association J&K Dental Conference at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC). In her address, MinisterSakeenalauded the vital contributions of dental professionals in strengthening the healthcare system of Jammu and Kashmir. She underlined that oral health is cornerstone of overall well-being and must be integrated more prominently into general healthcare policies. The Health Minister highlighted that oral health was commonly an overlooked aspect for most of the individuals, but in recent times, people have understood that oral health plays a critical role in preventing systemic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular ailments and respiratory infections. Also Read:Doctors engaging in private practice during duty hours to face action: Minister Sakina Itoo The Health Minister also highlighted that in recent years, oral hygiene practices and dental check-ups have emerged as an essential routine for people, especially the young generation. She urged the dentists and participants to aware people about adopting regular oral hygiene practices and dental check-ups as an essential part of their healthcare routine. Acknowledging various issues faced by dental doctors, Minister Sakeena emphasized that dental doctors are as important asMBBS doctorsand dentists need to be given due recognition at par with other kind of doctors. “Dentists are not merely tooth doctors; they are integral to preventive and systemic healthcare. It is high time that dental professionals are given due recognition and status, at par withMBBS doctors,” she asserted, drawing a resounding applause from the audience of leading dental experts, practitioners and students. Highlighting the government’s commitment to improving dental education and public oral health awareness, the Minister highlighted that policy measures are being explored to strengthen dental infrastructure, research, and service delivery across urban and rural areas. She also added that measures are being explored for creating employment avenues for dental doctors. Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan and Principal Indira Gandhi Govt. Dental College and Hospital, Jammu, Dr. Parveen A Lone also spoke on the occasion. The dental conference, organized by the J&K chapter of Indian Dental Association (IDA), brought together eminent academicians and practitioners from across the country to deliberate on advances in dental science, public health dentistry and innovations in oral care technologies. Also Read:Govt committed to providing modern treatment facilities for cancer patients: Sakeena Itoo