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VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica |
February 2017
18
T
he College of Oral Health Sciences
continues to advance its position as the
country’s most comprehensive provider of
oral health training at the diploma, undergraduate
and graduate levels. The first cohort of twenty
four (24) dental surgeons successfully completed
the five-year Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD)
course of study delivered by the College and
graduated in November 2015.
The College of Oral Health Sciences offers the
Doctor of Medical Dentistry, (DMD) Master of
Science in Dental Therapy, the Bachelor of
Science in Dental Hygiene, the Bachelor of
Science in Dental Laboratory Technology and
the Diploma in Dental Assisting. The courses of
study at the College of Oral Health Sciences are
of the highest international standards and are
being delivered by a world renowned faculty of
international repute, in teaching facilities that are
among the best in the Caribbean region. The
programme has attracted international students
from the region including the Bahamas, Cayman
Islands, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Turks
and Caicos.
DMD Students Ace ‘Gold Standard’
ADEX-NERB Dental Examination
UTech, Jamaica’s Oral Health Sciences courses
of study were recently under the microscope
of the Commission on Dental Competency
Assessments (CDCA) which administers the
competency examination, ADEX-NERB. Based
on the assessment of the high standard of the
programme offered at the College and the
exceptional competency level demonstrated by
the students, the ADEX-NERB examination for
the cohort of Doctor of Medical Dentistry students
was administered at the College in May 2015.
Dean of the College of Oral Health Sciences,
Dr.
Irving McKenzie
notes with pride, that a 96%
pass rate was attained following the sitting of the
“very challenging examination administered by
one of the world’s best competency assessment
boards.” ADEX is a test development board
serving member state dental boards in developing
valid and reliable initial licensure examinations in
dentistry and dental hygiene. Jamaica is the first
country outside of the US mainland to become
a member of the American Board of Dental
Examiner (ADEX) organisation.
Thousands of patients Treated at Dental
Health Clinic and Dental Health Fairs
Among the unique features of the UTech,
Jamaica dental training programme is the
extensive exposure of its students to knowledge
and understanding of the full gamut of oral
health diseases and issues, as well as the
hands on experience gained through service and
outreach both at the dental clinic located at the
College’s Arthur Wint drive campus and health
fairs conducted across the length and breadth of
Jamaica, particularly in rural underserved areas
where many persons have never seen a dentist
in their entire lives.
Over two hundred (200) patients
receive treatment daily at the
College’s Arthur Wint Drive oral health
clinic and thousands of Jamaicans
have benefitted from more than one
hundred health fairs valuing millions
of dollars.
UTech, Jamaica’s College of Oral Health Sciences
has been able to provide ongoing charitable
support to Jamaicans in need, through a number
of partnerships built up over the years with local
organizations such as Food for the Poor, CHASE
Fund and international organizations such
as Great Shape Inc. and a host of individuals
who provide equipment, their time and other
resources.
Much to Smile About
Over the past five years UTech, Jamaica has
partnered with Great Shape! Inc. – a USA based
non-profit charitable corporation under the 1000
Smiles Project. Students in years 3 to 5 of their
course of study, under the supervision of faculty
and licensed dentists from the United States and
Canada, provide dental care at clinics set up to
serve communities across the island.
Dr. McKenzie notes that “this is part of our
strategic plan to serve Jamaica which has a
serious oral health problem.”
Happy Smiles:
Members of the first cohort of the Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) course of study who graduated on November 12, 2015.
UTech, Ja’s Oral Health Training Impacting Jamaica
Cont’d on page 20