University of Malta academic and paediatric dentist, Dr Gabriella Gatt, Deputy Dean and Head of Department Child Dental Health and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Surgery, was awarded with the prestigious Golisano Award for her valuable contributions to Special Olympics Malta, and children with intellectual disabilities and special needs.
This award was part of the International Programme known as the Golisano Health Leadership Awards, where a number of professionals from the health sector were recognised for their voluntary work as health care providers to Special Olympics International.
Dr Gatt has been active with Special Olympics since 2014, and is the National coordinator for Happy Smiles, an initiative that aims to disseminate the right information and oral care to children.
Over the years, Dr Gatt has also organised numerous outreach events for children with Intellectual Disability, and her role at UM also included the introduction of a number of theoretical and clinical study units to support students with the management of the child and adult population with Intellectual Disability.
Dr Gatt, along with the Faculty of Dental Surgery, will be coordinating the participation of Faculty students in the 2022 International Special Olympics event which will be attracting more than 1,600 athletes from all over the world.
The award ceremony, which was presided by Dr Lydia Abela, who is also the President of the Special Olympics. She lauded the dedication and commitment of each of the chosen athletes and health care professionals.
The National Director of Special Olympics Malta, Ms Anna Calleja, remarked that this ceremony shows the altruism of the athletes and professionals assisting Special Olympics Malta in retaining their high standards.
Professor Nikolai Attard, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, remarked that the Golisano International Award is a tribute to Dr Gatt鈥檚 ongoing commitment towards children, especially those with special needs. He underscored the Faculty鈥檚 duty towards supporting the Special Olympics and its clients.
