For the first time, India is planning to introduce "tobacco control and cessation" into the curriculum of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). Dental Council of India (DCI) in its last executive committee meeting has accepted the proposal, and the final approval is now pending with the Union health ministry. A draft syllabus on tobacco control and cessation in dental clinics for incorporation in the BDS curriculum is also ready. A ministry note says, "dental practitioners are the first point of contact for patients of pre-cancer lesions and oral cancer, besides discolouration of teeth and gum diseases. However, the existing curriculum of BDS does not address issues relating to tobacco use and tobacco cessation adequately."