University of Malta students needing to carry out training as part of their course at the Faculty of Dental Surgery, may now do so from the brand-new premises of the Gozo Dental Clinic situated in Għajnsielem.
They will also be able to deliver essential oral health services as well as awareness campaigns to the Gozitan community, while allowing the Faculty to further monitor trends in oral health within the same community.
The state-of-the-art premises, costing more than €2 million, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Malta, Dr Robert Abela, with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the momentous occasion.
This day follows an agreement that was signed on 15 November 2019 between the Faculty of Dental Surgery, the Ministry for Gozo and the Gozo Diocese, for the strengthening of UM’s presence in Gozo through the renting of the property, with the Faculty committing itself to equip it with the latest technologies in the field.
Also present for the inauguration and the unveiling of the plaque were Minister for Gozo, Hon. Clint Camilleri, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Hon. Clifton Grima, the Bishop of Gozo, H.E. Anton Teuma, University of Malta Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, as well as the Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, Prof. Nikolai Attard.
Prof. Attard, who took the dignitaries around the premises and explained what equipment and tools have been instrumental to make the clinic fully functional, said “seeing this clinic come to life is quite a proud moment for the Faculty, as it marks another important milestone towards improving the nation’s health and it is in line with the Faculty’s aspirations to extend its outreach services in diverse communities.â€
As he had reiterated on other occasions celebrating the Faculty’s journey of the University of Malta Mobile Dental Clinic, and the Geriatric Teaching Clinic in St Vincent DePaul Residence, what makes the service are the people running it.
He took this opportunity to thank all the University of Malta Directorates and Faculty staff, as well as the Ministry for Gozo for wholeheartedly supporting the project from its its inception to today’s opening. He augured that the teaching facilities will become a focal point for oral health services in Gozo serving the whole community.
Prime Minister Dr Abela said such initiatives were in line with his government's principles and its vision of creating quality services that cater to the Gozitans.
