Dentz

Smile Sikkim is an application used for Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) for people in Sikkim who are involved in the deleterious habits of Smoking, usage of various Smokeless forms of tobacco, and drinking Alcohol and are trying to break a bad habit, adopt healthier lifestyle choices, or improve their overall well-being. To reinforce good practices, the application focuses on sending out messages in the form of WhatsApp and SMS (Short message service). The messages have been formulated with the help of experts in English and Nepali languages, designed to empower individuals and communities.

Users can explore topics on proper brushing practices, Smoking, Smokeless tobacco, and Alcohol. From these five domains, the users will be able to choose the type of messages they would want to receive. To ensure active engagement the application also provides notifications and reminders. The application sends out a total of 4 messages every week for three months. The users will also be able to choose the preferred language to receive the message (English, Nepali). The messages are in the form of text and voice messages.

The messages for brushing focus on reinforcing good oral hygiene practices, and imparting the proper knowledge of brushing, the type of toothpaste to be used, correct motion and duration of brushing, and also reminders and motivating messages to help the users to take their oral health seriously. The others include messages for three domains involving smoking, smokeless tobacco, and alcohol. These messages focus on sending out facts and data on these habits, the positive sides of breaking the habit and the negative effects, and the all-India helpline numbers.

The application is very user-friendly and designed to achieve lasting BCC.