Nagaland IDANSB holds 21st annual conference, GBM in Kohima

The two-day 21st annual conference and general body meeting of the Indian Dental Association Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB), held under the theme “Embracing Change”, concluded on Friday at Hotel De Oriental Grand, Kohima. The programme opened with pre-conference scientific sessions featuring renowned speakers from Kerala and Mumbai, and drew active participation from dental professionals across the state.
Addressing the inaugural function as special guest, Principal Director of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mereninla Senlem, said the theme was especially relevant as dentistry continued to transform rapidly with changing technologies, updated clinical knowledge and evolving patient needs. She commended the association for sustaining a culture of professional development and described IDANSB as a fraternity that had consistently demonstrated unity and dedication to public health. Dr. Senlem acknowledged the resource persons from Mumbai, Kerala and Dimapur, stating that their participation elevated the scientific deliberations and reflected the strengthening capabilities of the dental community in Nagaland. She also highlighted the importance of oral health in overall well-being and said the Health department deeply valued the role of dental professionals in prevention, early diagnosis and community outreach.
She noted that IDANSB had recently received the Best Performing State Branch Award, while Nagaland’s National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) was recognised as the Best Performing Small State for its World Oral Health Day initiatives. Encouraging further collaboration with the Health department, she pointed to the alarming levels of tobacco consumption in the state, with 43% of youths addicted to tobacco—among the highest in India—leading to a significant burden of oral cancer. On concerns raised about vacant dental surgeon posts and salary disparities in the Nagaland Health Service (NHS), she assured that salary revision efforts would be taken up in the next Programme Implementation Plan (PIP).
In his presidential address, Dr. Longpuremen Jamir said IDANSB considered a well-informed and competent doctor its greatest asset, benefiting not only the association but also the patients and communities they served. He said the association had consistently stood for ethical practice, transparency and meritocracy while opposing all forms of discrimination, nepotism and favouritism. He added that IDANSB continued to organise oral health awareness drives, oral cancer screening programmes, rehabilitation-based initiatives and had expanded its social media presence to strengthen public outreach.
Dr. Jamir encouraged members to embrace change, update their skills and make full use of the continuing education efforts and workshops offered by the association. He remarked that dental surgeons were not in the profession by coincidence but had been called to serve with purpose and responsibility.
Delivering the general secretary’s report, honorary state secretary Dr. Neiphrezo Sorünuo presented a brief history of the association along with its annual activities. He highlighted the acute shortage of dental surgeons, stating that though 37 regular sanctioned posts exist, about 15 remain vacant. He added that only a few posts have been advertised after more than 12 years and warned that the health system could weaken further if the shortage persisted. He also stressed the need to address pay disparity among doctors under the National Health Mission (NHM), saying it was time to revisit and review the issue to restore dignity and morale among doctors.
The inaugural function was chaired by Dr. Neichükholie Vüpru, with invocation pronounced by Dr. Viphrezonuo Kuotsu. Obituary references were made by Dr. Kaketo Yepthomi, and a tribute video for late Dr. Imsuakum Jamir was screened. A special song was presented by Diezebei-ü Chüpuo.
An exhortation message was shared by Dr. Arenla Walling, Director (Dental), H&FW, after which Dr. Dzütholu Thingo, Vice President of IDANSB, proposed the vote of thanks. Meanwhile, new office bearers for 2025 were announced with Dr. Longpuremen Jamir as president, Dr. Neiphrezo Sorünuo as honorary state secretary and Dr. Pauzieleubo as honorary state treasurer.