The partnership between the German association Dental International Aid Networking Organisation (DIANO) and the University of Technology, Jamaica, aims to improve dentistry training in Jamaica. Students at the faculty of dentistry use mobile units to treat patients in various parts of the country.
Problem: Because there is practically no access to dental care in many parts of Jamaica, dental problems can rapidly spawn life-threatening complications. In spite of their mobile dental care stations, students from the partner university cannot provide nationwide coverage since they have neither the equipment nor the training.
Main activities: The mobile hospital is to be fitted out with new appliances and equipment. In courses, students learn to use the equipment and are trained in oral surgery in preparation for their mobile assignments. In the longer term, the dentistry degree at the partner university will be expanded to include new courses.
Short-term results: Students can treat more patients during their mobile assignments and can better prevent fatalities.
Long-term results: The improved training at the partner university is to raise the quality of dental care in Jamaica.