Dental think-tank established

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Prof. Prabhu has been a key player in the Association’s launch.

In a bid to standardise the curriculum for dental education across the United Arab Emirates, five of the country's largest universities and institutes have formed the United Arab Emirates Association for Dental Education and Research (UAEADER).

The formation of UAEADER was driven by Professor Ramanda Prabhu, the dean of Ras Al Khaimah's (RAK) College of Dental Sciences.

In addition to the dental colleges at the universities of RAK, Ajman and Sharjah, the association also includes Boston University Institute for Dental Research and Education Dubai, and the Nicolas and Asp Postgraduate Institute. It is hoped that the association will help to influence policies issued by the Ministry of Education and Research.

"To start with it will be a passive relationship with the ministry," Prabhu said. "We will advise and assist, but only when asked.

"The relevant ministries might not be fully aware of the intricacies of the dental field, but now the academic community can collectively offer such advice."

There will also be an assessment and comparison of each member institutes' educational programmes. Ultimately, the Association hopes to standardise dental curriculums. "It is important for the benefit of the wider dental community that graduating students' competencies are measurable and uniform," Prabhu noted.

UAEADER is also planning on delivering continuing education programmes for the benefit of qualified dentists. "The remit of the association covers anything that has a broader objective in terms of fulfilling educational needs and demands in UAE," Prabhu said.

Dr Thomas Kilgore, chief academic officer at the Boston Institute, welcomed the inauguration of UAEADER. "We have an association of dental educators in the United States, and it is really important to share ideas," he said. "It's a forward-looking project and will look to bridge the gaps between the dental profession and the academic community.

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