Twenty Dental Surgeons undergo course in implantology

Twenty dental surgeons from Ghana, Nigeria and Gambia are undergoing a course in the novelty Dental Implantology at the University of Ghana Dental School.

This is the first, being organised in the country to transfer knowledge to West African Dentists.

A dental implant is a "root" device, usually made of titanium, used in dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth to replace missing teeth.

Though the cost of implants is high, it is expected that the training of Ghanaian dentists would make it affordable.

The four modular courses is an initiative of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission of Ghana and Germany in collaboration with the University, Academy of Medical Sciences, Germany and the Ministry of Health.

The first two-day modular course starts on Friday, April 13 and would end on Saturday April 14, 2012. The second in July, the third in October and the fourth in December.

Maulvi Dr A . Wahab Adam, Ameer and Missionary-in-charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, briefing newsmen said the total cost of the programme estimated at about 200,000 Euros, was being financed by the Ahmadiyya Mission through the approval of the Supreme Head, of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Mission Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul V, Academy of Medical Sciences and stakeholders in Germany.

“This is a further contribution by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission towards the provision of social services in general and healthcare in the country,” he said.

Professor Aaron Lawson, Provost of College of Health Sciences, acknowledged the designer and owner of patent for the Ankylos Implant System, Professor George Nentwig, for sharing his wealth of expertise with the university.

He said the modern technology of dental implant in the world had not always been available and that the newest and modern implants had made it possible to improve the individual aesthetics and the treasured ability to enjoy all kinds of foods among people with tooth loss.

The Provost acknowledged that the cost of the “implant” is known to be fairly high, but the rapidly growing middle income population in Ghana was demanding modern solutions to their problems and were ready to patronise doctors and surgeons who are courageous to embrace advanced clinical technology in clinics and hospitals.

Dean of the University of Ghana Dental School, Professor Grace Parkins, expressed appreciation to the partners for making the introduction of the course possible.**