Unam’s inaugural cohort paves the way for home-grown dentists

Jemimah Ndebele
  • 11 Months Ago
The University of Namibia's (Unam) School of Dentistry proudly celebrated the graduation of its inaugural cohort of 16 dentists this year. These dentists have successfully earned an honour's degree in dental surgery, marking a significant accomplishment for both the graduates and the field of dentistry in Namibia.

What sets these newly minted dentists apart is their meticulously tailored education, specifically designed to suit Namibia's unique context and address specific oral-health needs within the country. Throughout their education, these students have actively engaged in addressing the persisting treatment demands that have been overlooked in Namibia.

Dr John Rutabanzibwa, the associate dean of the School of Dentistry, emphasised that these graduates are well-equipped with first-hand experience and are ready to make a meaningful impact on oral-health challenges from the very beginning of their professional careers.

He highlighted that unlike their counterparts who have been trained abroad in foreign curricula and contexts, these home-grown dentists possess a distinct advantage that shines through as they enter the field.

“This has been a very fulfilling journey and I believe this is only the beginning. While graduating as the first is very significant, our aspirations extend beyond that as there is so much more that we wish to achieve within the dentistry fraternity in the country,” graduate Pena Nelumbu said.