CUT’s Oral Health Care staff, students and Colgate (just one of the numerous sponsors) were involved in the free dental screening programmes in shopping malls throughout Bloemfontein during the weekend of 13 to 15 September. During the workshop hosted in partnership with Dental Warehouse Johannesburg, Dr Heinrich Dippenaar, expert in the field Endotronics shared his clinical knowledge; “A “MacGyver” kit for Endodontics”.  

Endodontics is a dental specialty in which a variety of procedures including root canal therapy, treatment of cracked teeth, and dental trauma is performed. Delegates at the workshop included dental specialists, dentists, dental assistants, and oral hygienists. “The participants in attendance revelled in the knowledge shared. We were very honoured to host Dr Dippenaar, his expertise in dental practitioning and technological know-how is revered.” said Ms Jeanné Oosthuysen, Lecturer in Dental Assisting at CUT. As part of the outcomes of CUT’s STEPS process - Strategic Transformation of Education Programmes and Structures – each programme at CUT established an advisory board comprising of various stakeholders from business, industry and government. “In an effort to improve and align programmes offered, the advisory board was established to create a close link with business and industry to improve the programmes and innovations.” said Prof. Annabel Fossey, Head of the Department Life Sciences at CUT. The advisory board for Dental Assisting met recently to discuss and assess the stance of the programme. The expected outcome of oral health month is the promotion of oral health as being central to every person’s daily life and well‐being. Oral health has a fundamental influence on the quality of life for every individual. 

Pictured here are some of the attendees at the CUT Dental Advisory Committee Meeting from left: Dr André Delport, Orthodontist; Mrs Jeanné Oosthuysen; Dr Kometsi Mokuele, Dental Practitioner; Prof. Annabel Fossey; and Dr Asalph Mokotjo, Dental Practitioner.