Three-Day Conference to Highlight Oral Health Care

The Dental Auxiliaries of Jamaica will be hosting their annual conference from March 14 to 16, as part of the effort to educate members about the new trends in dental practice, as well as the importance of providing effective oral health care.

The conference, to be held at Breezes Runaway Bay, in St. Ann, forms part of the activities by the group to observe  Dental Auxiliary Week 2012, under the theme: ‘Dental Auxiliaries: Movers and Shapers of Oral Health’.

Co-ordinator of   Dental Auxiliaries of Jamaica, Sonia Nairne, told JIS News that the theme that guides the week of activities is very significant and will therefore be utilised to empower staff to competently perform their duties, so that clients can be encouraged to use efficient and proactive oral health care practices.

She explained that the activities for the conference have been strategically organised to focus on the development of staff through oral health education and health promotion for Jamaicans.

Ms. Nairne said that the activities at the conference will equip members with the knowledge required to function more proficiently in their respective areas.

“We are mandated to give the best quality health care, of course within our scope and limitations,” she said, noting that the staff will be educated continuously, in order to ensure sustained growth and development in the dental sector.

Among the highlights of the three-day conference is an opening ceremony on Wednesday, March 14, beginning at 10:00 a.m., where Minister of Health, Hon.  Dr. Fenton Ferguson, will give the keynote address. Seminars will follow, and the conference will culminate on Friday, March 16, with an awards function for retirees in the field.

By Toni-Ann Russell, JIS PRO