On September 3rd, in the Ministry of Health’s Conference Room, the Minister of Health, Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, launched the country’s first Dental Laboratory Technician Programme. This programme, overseen by the Ministry’s Health Sciences Division, inducted thirteen students from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) to be trained over eighteen months. They will receive training in the area of Dental Prosthetics at the Cheddi Jagan Dental School. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Anthony highlighted the provisions being made by the Government of Guyana to expand dental and oral health care services across the country.
He explained that the six regional hospitals being constructed at the moment will have designated areas dedicated to dental practice. He added that with the new Paediatric and Maternal Hospital, some of the paediatrics functions currently being performed at the Cheddi Jagan Dental School will be moved to the new hospital. “We’re also in the process of building a new Paediatric and Maternal Hospital at Ogle, right now at the Dental School you do a lot of paediatric dental procedures but now we’ll have a specialised hospital for paediatrics where everything relating to paediatrics would be done at this hospital. So, some of the functions that you currently have at the Cheddi Jagan Dental School would be moved to this new facility”, he stated.
Further, the Health Minister noted that substantial investments have been made over the years, leading to a significant transformation at the Cheddi Jagan Dental School. The improvements include the addition of a pharmacy, renovations downstairs with modern chairs, a new section for surgeries upstairs, and an upgraded x-ray facility. In closing, Minister Anthony encouraged those inducted to work hard and acquire the necessary skills so that they can practise effectively. Meanwhile, the Principal Dental Officer, MOH, Dr Marvin Monize, emphasised the significance of the new training programme. “This programme is designed to provide comprehensive training for individuals to design and fabricate dental prosthetics, an essential component in restoring function and aesthetics for those who have lost their teeth”, he said.
Also in attendance at today’s launch were the Coordinator of the Dental Auxiliary Training Programme, Dr Collin Waterman; Head of the Prosthodontic Department, Dr Carlos Bruzon-Varoza; Assistant Coordinator of the Dental Auxiliary Training Programme, Ms Vashantie Balwant-Bagot; and Senior Health Education Officer, Ms Georgel Abrams.