Dentists urged to be up-to-date with latest technology

The Annual Dental Convention 2016 kicked-off on Saturday under the theme “Promoting Dentistry Through Education” and will run for two days.
Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings, in delivering the feature address at the event, which is being held at the Pegasus Hotel, said she hopes that at the end of the convention “there would have been a comprehensive exchange of contemporary scientific knowledge among participants resulting in various degrees of learning taking place.”

Dr Cummings said the Convention will provide the opportunity for the delegates to bring new ideas to the people of Guyana. She noted that persons must be aware that effective oral health is essential to overall health; noting that good oral health improves a person’s ability to speak, to smile, to taste, among others. The convention is in keeping with the observance of Oral Health Month.
“The availability of new tools is enabling researchers to understand oral biology and disease. Further, these tools are helping to change profoundly the treatment – oral, dental, cranial, and facial diseases and disorders. The Minister also noted that better collaboration between dental and medical professionals can be a means of ensuring that all Guyanese understand that oral health is essential to their overall health,” Dr Cummings is quoted by the Government Information Agency (GINA) as saying.
President of the Guyana Dental Association, Dr Uon Sandiford said the Convention is a platform where all participants will learn, as well as exchange ideas which are geared at strengthening the dental profession.
Dr Sandiford added that dentistry in itself is an evolving science that plays an integral part in general health. He noted that experts in the profession must keep up with the evolution of dentistry through collaboration with international and local guest educating dentists from all regions of Guyana.
“We, as dentists, will be better able to serve the community at large by providing up-to-date skills and knowledge that will put our patients at comfort,” Dr Sandiford said
The Convention will see a number of guest speakers; one of which is Dr William AJ Smith who is currently the Acting Director of his alma mater, the University of the West Indies School of Dentistry.
Dr Nancy Boodho who is a Dentist and a Medical Legal Advisor and is based in the United Kingdom stated that her presentation to those attending the convention will be based on education processes.
Oral Health Month is being observed under the theme “Promoting Oral Health Through Education”.