Antigua and Barbuda received international recognition at the
FDI World Dental Congress in Prague, Czech Republic
, where the Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association won an award for its Young Dentists initiative.
The country was represented by
Dr. Deborah Robinson-Akande
, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association and FDI National Liaison, and
Dr.
Kronskie
Dickenson-Foster
, Vice President of the Association and Acting Senior Dental Consultant in the Ministry of Health.
The award recognized an initiative developed by the Association to prepare young and early-career dentists for leadership. The program provides training in leadership, governance, advocacy and policy, career development, and clinical education, while promoting meaningful opportunities for younger dentists to participate in the Association’s leadership.
The achievement was particularly significant as Antigua and Barbuda joined the FDI World Dental Federation only one year ago and was congratulated for achieving international recognition so early in its membership. The FDI represents more than one million dentists worldwide and serves as a global voice of the dental profession.
The Association expressed its delight and gratitude at receiving the award. Dr. Robinson-Akande said, “The award recognizes the commitment of the young dentists and everyone who helped to create opportunities for them to lead and grow. Thank God that we won!”
She further stated, “Participation in the FDI has given Antigua and Barbuda an opportunity not only to learn from the international dental community, but also to contribute. The FDI is where important oral-health policies are developed that can guide Ministries of Health and National Dental Associations. Knowing that suggestions we contributed helped to shape one of the policies was especially meaningful. It shows that although we are a small nation, our voice and experience can contribute internationally to influence decisions that can ultimately affect Antigua and Barbuda.”
For Dr. Dickenson-Foster, participating in the FDI General Assembly was among the most meaningful aspects of the conference. “It was humbling and deeply significant to sit in the General Assembly alongside representatives of national dental associations from around the world and realize that Antigua and Barbuda has a voice in decisions that help shape the direction of dentistry internationally. I am excited about working to translate these opportunities into meaningful initiatives that can benefit oral health in Antigua and Barbuda.”
A photograph of Antigua and Barbuda’s World Oral Health Day activities was displayed alongside those of other participating countries during the Congress presentation. “There was Antigua and Barbuda, right there among countries from across the world. For me, it demonstrated that what we are doing at home is being seen. Our participation matters, and our contribution is being recognized”, said Dr. Dickenson-Foster.
One immediate benefit of these international connections is an offer from FDI to support continuing dental education in Antigua and Barbuda by covering the costs of sending regional speakers to Antigua, with the Association being responsible only for their local accommodation.
The Chair of FDI Membership also invited the Association to join the North American Regional Organisation (NARO), opening another avenue for collaboration with dental associations in the region, which presently includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico. NARO encourages collaboration among its members in education, research, dental practice and public health.
The delegates also participated in FDI parliamentary and leadership activities, joining representatives of national dental associations from around the world in discussions on oral health policies, programs and priorities.
The Association said the award is not simply recognition of what has already been accomplished, but encouragement to continue investing in the development of young dentists. By strengthening their clinical skills, leadership abilities and professional development, the Association believes it is helping to prepare the next generation of dental leaders while promoting
excellent patient care for the people of Antigua and Barbuda
.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association Wins International Award at FDI World Dental Congress.