Voices Magazine-Issue

19 February 2018 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica F ifty-one students of the University of Technology, Jamaica’s College of Oral Health Sciences, officially entered the clinical years in their academic studies and training, marked by the symbolic 6th Annual White Coat Ceremony hosted by the College on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at the Alfred Sangster auditorium, Papine Campus. Students in the second year of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and the third year of the Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) courses of study were presented with their white coats during the ceremony. Dr. Irving McKenzie, Dean of the College of Oral Health Sciences, in his welcome, told the gathering comprising proud parents, guardians, members of faculty and staff that the College continues to provide highly competent graduates to deal with the prevailing oral and dental health conditions that face Jamaica. He noted that current students and graduates are making a tremendous impact on the oral health landscape of Jamaica, adding that UTech, Jamaica is the only Institution in the region that trains all categories of oral healthcare professionals. Highlighting the achievements of the College, Dr. McKenzie reported that since 2015, the DMD students continue to excel as top performers in the region in the ADEX-NERB clinical examination administered by the Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA). Prof. Colin Gyles, Deputy President, in his address to the gathering, congratulated the students on reaching the important milestone in their academic journey having sufficiently mastered pre-clinical disciplines. Guest speaker Honourable Floyd Green, MP, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information lauded the University for its contribution to improved oral health practices in the country. “You have done a fine job in setting yourself apart through excellence. You are not only good in the Jamaican context, but on the international stage your students are also performing at a high level,” the Minister asserted. Minister Green in congratulating the students reminded them that “having donned your white coats, you have pledged to provide the highest standard of ethical care to your patients.” Sponsors of the annual White Coat ceremony were Colgate Palmolive Jamaica and Listerine. Dental Hygiene and Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) students pose for a group photograph at their white coat presentation ceremony hosted by the College of Oral Health Sciences (COOHS), University of Technology, Jamaica on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, Papine Campus. Seated from left are COOHS faculty members Dr. Yanestsy Thamarjo, Senior Lecturer, Dr. Su Yun Htun, Associate Professor and Maxillofacial Specialist, Prof. Colin Gyles, Deputy President and Ms. Toni-Kay Dawkins, representative from sponsoring company, Colgate Palmolive Jamaica. Miss Akaylia Brown, BSc Dental Hygiene student, presents a gift basket to guest speaker, the Hon. Floyd Green, MP, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information following his address. Dental Students Enter Clinical Years