In the preceeding months leading up to the CAAM-HP Accreditation Site Visit to the School of Dentistry, the University of Guyana through the Vice-Chancellor and other Departments, played a very significant role in preparation to meet the standards for Accreditation. The Ministry of Public Health was equally involved in plans and infrastructural works at the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre and the West Demerara Regional Hospital Dental Clinic. Among the equipment and other items supplied by the University of Guyana to the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre are the following:
- 13 Computers for the Library, which were installed and are Internet ready
- 4 AC Units installed in the Library and Dental Skills Lab.
- 2 Instrument Trolley for the Sterilization area
- 4 Eye wash stations for the Clinics
- 3 new complete Dental Chairs & Units
- 4 Water Dispensers (hot & cold)
- Venetian Blinds installed in: Ovid Isaac Classroom, Library and Dr Kenneth Wray Auditorium.
On June 19, 2018, a simple Ceremony was organized to officially hand over these items to the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre, Ministry of Public Health.
The Handing over Ceremony was chaired by Mr Paul Clarke, Manager, Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Dr Shameer Ali, Director, School of Dentistry, welcomed all. He expressed appreciation to the Minister of Public Health, Hon. Volda Lawrence and staff of the Ministry of Public Health, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ivelaw Griffith and all the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, notably, Dr Barbara Reynolds (Planning & International Engagement), Prof. Michael Scott, (Academic Engagement), the Registrar and staff of the Registry, Dr Emanuel Cummings, Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences and staff, Academic Board Members, Members of the Steering Committee, Dr Kester Sullivan, Principal Dental Surgeon, Mr Paul Clarke, Manager, CJDC, staff of the CJDC, and students of the BDS programme for the tremendous support during the Accreditation exercise.
He stated that the BDS Curriculum has been revised and that it would be phased in each year. It would take approximately 5 years for the entire curriculum to be fully implemented. He noted that it was due to the positive involvement of every sector that the CAAM-HP site visit was a reality, and that he was grateful for the support of all.
Remarks by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, AE
Prof. Michael Scott, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Engagement commended the Vice-Chancellor for his leadership and support for the School of Dentistry’s initiative to seek to have the BDS programme accredited. He reflected on his close association to the Dentistry profession which dated over 40 years. He encouraged continued cooperation between the Ministry of Public Health, the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre and the University of Guyana, noting that such collaboration would enhance the quality of health care to the citizens of the country.
Remarks by Vice-Chancellor
Prof. Ivelaw Griffith, Vice-Chancellor, University of Guyana, commended the Ministry of Public Health for the collaborative effort in transforming the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre for the CAAM-HP site visit which was held from March 18 to 22, 2018.
Remarks by Representative of the MOPH
Mr John Adams, Advisor to the Hon. Minister of Public Health, remarked that the Ministry of Public Health will continue to collaborate with the University for the enhancement of health care, noting that it is not only beneficial to the School, the University, and the Ministry, but to the country at large.
He thanked the University for the Equipment, which will improve the services offered at the facility.