Voices Magazine Vol2 Issue 5-6

VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | October - December 2018 28 T he College of Oral Health Sciences hosted its 7th annual White Coat Ceremony on November 6, 2018 at the Papine Campus. The White Coat Ceremony is used to celebrate the transition of dental students from the preclinical to clinical years and students who have displayed mastery of the required techniques and knowledge are qualified to be awarded and donned with white coats. Guest speaker at the ceremony, Dr. the Honourable Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health, congratulated the University on the positive impact it has been making on dental health in Jamaica. The Minister called for greater focus on the prevention of tooth decay, noting that the cost of treatment is a challenge for the majority of the population. He urged the budding dental professionals to help spread the message to support the Ministry’s National Dental Sealant Programme to promote a culture of prevention which needs to starts at an early age among the population. The Minister also implored the students to be high on customer service. “Care with compassion is absolutely critical; if you do that, you are going to see that the reception that you get from patients will be significantly enhanced,” he told the gathering. Dental Students Receive White Coats Dental students display their gift bags from sponsor, Listerine, following the presentation of their white coats. Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton (right), is welcomed by Dr. Hillary Jones, Lecturer, College of Oral Health Sciences, University of Technology, Jamaica at the 7th annual White Coat Ceremony held on November 6, 2018 at the Papine Campus. Sharing in the occasion (from second left) are Dr. Su Yin Htun Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Oral Health Sciences and Professor Colin Gyles, Deputy President.