This past February, 2013, I
returned to Jamaica to teach endodontics to the 2nd year class at UTech in
Kingston. This will be the graduating class of 2016. It was great to temporarily
escape this year's harsh winter in Toronto and be back in Kingston where I was
greeted by both new and familiar faces. I was also pleased that there were very
no technical issues this year and everything was smooth sailing. Here is a
picture of the class of 2016 and myself. They are a warm, energetic and highly
motivated group of students. Their eagerness and good nature justify why this
is all worthwhile for me.
On my last day in Kingston, I was
fortunate enough to attend a conference for the launch of the Diabetes and Oral
Health program. This is organized by the University Diabetes Outreach Programme
(UDOP) in collaboration with The University of West Indies and University of
Technology Jamaica. At the last minute I was also asked to speak at the conference
and give my insights on this topic. Since I did not have a lot of time to
prepare, I quickly gathered any background knowledge I already had, mixed with
some internet research. I ended up giving a lecture on the relationship
between diabetes and oral care and vice versa. During my talk, I also made
reference to the incredible things Dr. McKenzie has done and how the UTech
dental school has set their sights on adopting the best standards for dental
education in the world. I made it clear that it is also my own personal goal to
contribute to that same objective.
Below you will see a picture of
myself in between the Minister of Health, Dr. Fenton Ferguson and Dr. Irving
MacKenzie, Dean of the UTech School of Dentistry and Jamaica's Chief Dental
Officer. Below that, one of myself with the President of The University
of Technology, Jamaica, Professor the Honourable Errol Morrison. Fig. 2
I look forward to
returning to returning next month, in May, to not only continue with the second
year grogramme but also to attend and speak at the Jamaica Dental Association
Annual meeting in Montego Bay.
Dear Readers: Dr. G
can now be found on Twitter. Look for his daily tweets of interesting facts,
funny jokes and lots of inspiration. follow @doctorg007
.....license to drill!
