Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Dentistry, together with the Directorate of Research Partnership and Innovation, UCU Partners, Koome Sub- County Local Government, and the Uganda Wildlife Conservation and Education Centre (UWEC), organized a week-long dental and health awareness camp at Koome Seed Secondary School on Koome Island, Mukono district in Uganda from June 5th-8th, 2024.
This important event addresses the urgent need for dental care in Uganda, where there is only one dentist for every 150,000 people, and many people suffer from oral diseases.
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This dental camp, the first ever on the Island, attracted a large number of people from the thirteen Islands of Koome.
Kiyinji Laurence, a local leader, thanked Uganda Christian University for its great work in helping the people of Koome.
“This project shows UCU’s commitment to serving the underprivileged and improving public health in our community,” said Kiyinji.
UCU Dental School offers students a chance to get hands-on experience
The camp offers UCU Dental School students a chance to get hands-on experience as they learn from alumni of Northwestern University’s Dental School in the USA, as well as experienced dentists from Uganda and their own lecturers.
Arnold Katamba a fourth year Dentistry student appreciated the social and practical skills that he attained during the medical camp.
“I learnt to do things I have not been doing practically. We have gained diverse and rich skills during these engagements, I have also learnt living in a community with people and more so the unprivileged” Arnold Jessy Katumba shared.
The outreach is part of UCU’s mission to train students to reach their full potential, live productive lives, and serve others with Christian faith.
Dr. Arabat Kasangaki the Head of Department at the School of Dentistry emphasized the importance of such events. “Oral health is often ignored in many communities, but it is very important for overall health. This camp has not only provided needed treatment but also taught people about dental hygiene and dental disease prevention,” Kasangaki said
Many people, including local government officials, healthcare workers, and volunteers, came together to make this camp a success. All efforts aimed at improving the health and well-being of residents on the Island.
The camp was inspired by the late Logan Doseck, a Northwestern University Dental School alumnus who sadly passed away before finishing his dental studies.
Written By: Andrew Bugembe,
Edited By: Harriet Adong, Communication and PR Consultant at UCU.
