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The official newsletter of the UWI Dental Students Association
Citation preview
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The Fill In December, 2008
1 www.uwidsa.org [email protected]
FIRST VISIT The Fill In
December 2008
Cover Photo: Denelle Furlonge,
Marc Mootoo
Editors: Cindy Beckles, Devin Jaggernauth, Denelle Furlonge, Carlen Chandler, Lois Applewhite, Contributing Writers: Dr. Smith, Nikisha Alexander, Sarah Ramsaroop Photography: Lawrence Moy
Hing
UWI Dental Students Association
School of Dentistry,
Faculty of Medical Sciences
UWI St Augustine
Eric Williams Medical Sciences
Complex
Uriah Butler Highway
Trinidad, West Indies
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.uwidsa.org
UWI DSA Executive:
Devin Jaggernauth - President
Arif Saqui – Vice President
Sarah Ramsaroop – Treasurer
Allana Tang Choon - Secretary
It’s December, and we all know what that means. Yes, the Fill In has been
going strong for one full semester! Good job Fill In Team and thanks to the
readers for supporting us thus far.
Exams are finally over and the Christmas Vacation begins, but what are going
to do with all your newly acquired free time? We at the Fill In got you
covered with a December issue for your vacation reading pleasure.
In this issue, we have the words of our DSA President, our Valedictorian and
one of our favourite lecturers, Dr Smith.
Also, we feature an interview with the head of Conservative Dentistry
Department, Dr. Rafeek.
We love to hear feedback from our readers and in ‘Student Perspective’ we
listen to your thoughts on the recent Dental Banquet.
So while you wait for the sounds of Santa’s reindeer on your roof, relax next
to the Christmas tree with a glass of sorrel in hand and enjoy the 7th Issue of
the Fill In.
TFI
September 2008
The Fill In December, 2008
2 www.uwidsa.org [email protected]
The Scene
The 8th Annual Dental Banquet was a tremendous success and was highly
praised by all who attended. The DSA wishes to thank all those who got
involved and supported the venture! Some of us were left wondering if we
really had to wait an entire year to do it again!
The air conditioning units have been installed and are fully operational in
the Polyclinic and Paediatric Unit. Clinical students and interns have
returned to full day work since December 8.
One new X-ray unit has been installed on the polyclinic and work on a
second is almost complete. Both units are capable of both plain film and digital radiography, however the
use of the digital facilities are slowly being phased in for the interns and final year students for now.
The DSA wishes to thank everyone involved for a most
successful first semester. Season’s greetings to all, and we
wish you all a prosperous and productive 2009!
The Fill In December, 2008
3 www.uwidsa.org [email protected]
Banquet Report
Denelle Furlonge
The eighth annual dental banquet was held on November 14th at the Centre of Excellence to great success. It
promised a night of elegance and fine dining and it was all of that and much more. It brought old friends
together and forged new friendships, it was entertaining and lively. It was an occasion to highlight the success
of the graduating class of 2008, to honour and show appreciation to students and staff. It was a night to
remember for all who attended and a hot topic for the weeks that followed.
The banquet started off at seven in the evening, at which time everyone had a chance to mingle over
scrumptious appetizers. The formal part of the event began with the national anthem followed by a welcoming
speech the DSA vice president and banquet coordinator, Mr. Arif Saqui. Professor Murti then welcomed
everyone to have an enjoyable night.
Dr. William Smith was then asked to speak on behalf of
the staff, where he commented that the dental students
inspired hope that the university can shine the way it is
intended to. He advised students to study hard, even
harder than before and to enjoy themselves while doing
it. He went on to say that the behaviour of the dental
students in light of the past strike in October, showed that
they exemplified unity, leadership and change.
Devin Jaggernauth, President of the Dental Student
Association, highlighted that the goal for the DSA was to
strive for excellence. He outlined that this involved bringing dental students together and this was
accomplished through the start of the newsletter, the staff-student cricket match and the recent
demonstrations in October to better the student environment. He urged the students to get involved and in
any way that they can to give back to the dental institution.
Dr. Keisha Broomes, the valedictorian of the graduating class of 2008 then spoke to us about not just being a
student who passes exams but to be students and then future practitioners who care and give back to our
patients. The graduating class of 2008 were then awarded gift sets on behalf of the DSA.
Special awards distributed
Lecturer Awards
Lecturer of the Year (Challenge Shield)- Dr. Tricia Percival .
Most Inspiring DDS Clinical Instructor (Challenge Shield)- Dr. Larry Coldero .
Most Devoted DDS Professional and Mentor- Dr. Al-Bayaty.
The Fill In December, 2008
4 www.uwidsa.org [email protected]
Intern Awards
Best Oral Surgery Intern 07’- Dr. J Marchack
Best Arima & Adult Polclinic Intern 07’- Dr. R. Powdhar
Best Paediatric Intern 07’- Dr. V. Bhatt
Best Emergency & Oral Medicine Intern- Dr. S. Rhamsubhag
The votes for the lecturers were compiled from the class of 2008 while the votes for the interns were made by
the Heads of the Departments.
The DSA also distributed hampers to the Administrative
Staff, Polyclinic Reception, Paediatric Reception, the
Dental Surgery Assistants and Lab personnel. Trophies
were awarded to the stars of the cricket match where
Dr. Paryag received the trophy on behalf of the winning
team, the Academic Staff. Dr. K. Maharaj was
recognized as being the Best Batsman, Dr. Paryag- Best
Bowler and the MVP went to David McKillican of Year 3.
Sarah Ramsaroop, the DSA treasurer then gave the Vote
of Thanks and appreciation for the various companies
that kindly donated their services.
The Campus Principal, Professor Sankat, then gave an impromptu speech commenting that he was impressed
with the Dental Student Association for coming together as a student body, taking action and making
proposals. He also added that he was quite impressed with the DSA for organizing the banquet. The Dean of
Medical Sciences, Professor Ramsewak, also gave an impromptu speech, also commending the DSA and the
dental students.
Dinner was served, or rather, we served ourselves to an enticing assortment of main course items and then to
heavenly slices of dessert! We then had a medley of songs played on the steelpan by our own Carey Rawlins
from the dental polyclinic staff, this was then followed by Redemption Song played on the guitar by me,
Denelle Furlonge, which led the way to the karaoke that followed. Dancing shoes filled the floor which went on
past two in the morning.
The dental banquet was a great success, plain to see for everyone attended. A student told me a few days after
that he wished they would have these gatherings every month. To the students who gave up their time in
planning and putting together the dental banquet, you did great! It was definitely a night to remember.
The Fill In December, 2008
5 www.uwidsa.org [email protected]
DSA President’s Banquet Address Devin Jaggernauth
Professor Ramsewak, Dean of the Faculty of Medical
Sciences; Professor Murti, Director of the School of
Dentistry; distinguished lecturers and clinical
instructors, support staff, former and recent
graduates, fellow students, other specially invited
guests: Good evening and welcome to the 8th Annual
Dental Banquet.
The theme for this evening’s function is a one of
elegance, fine dining (don’t fill up on appetizers, dinner will be served shortly) and lastly a celebration
of excellence. As students of the UWI School of Dentistry, we’re always being encourage to aim for
excellence, be it academic or in clinical practice. My colleagues will agree that this can often be
frustrating, but then again the best approach is seldom ever the easiest.
In keeping with this idea, I can assure you that this DSA has strived for nothing less than excellence
since being elected in April. What you see before you here tonight is testament to this.
As many of you know, the DSA was dormant for some time, and I wish to recognize the work of our
previous president, Dr. Ryszardo Jennings and his executive for giving the association that much
needed push to get going again. The last dental banquet was a monumental step in bringing the
school together once more. That was actually a first for me, seeing students and staff interacting on a
new level, with the understanding that we were all connected by the same institution. That night, it
was obvious that there was potential for much more!
At our first executive meeting we put forward our plans for the year. The ideas were fairly
straightforward: we wanted to bring the student body closer together, promote the building of
relationships within the classes and among the years. We’re all students sharing a common goal and
we’d be working together at some point in time. Establishing these bonds among the students would
easily benefit everyone involved. The plan was to do this through a series of activities with the basic
aim of getting the students involved.
The Fill In December, 2008
6 www.uwidsa.org [email protected]
I always felt there was need for better communication within the faculty
and especially within the dental school. A former DSA president (who
wishes to be known as many faces behind one mask) felt the same way,
and was in fact a few steps ahead of us. With a collection of articles, the
idea of a monthly magazine was presented to us. After some small
tweaking and formatting, the first issue of our monthly newsletter, The
Fill In, was released. It was decided that it should be kept electronic
because trees would be saved, it would cost us nothing and it would be
extremely easy to distribute. Little did we realize that we created a
monster: The Fill In snowballed and its high standards were praised by
students, staff and alumni among others.
It was decided that in order to students involved,
we should make them feel like part of the school
from day one. The ideas behind this were
formulated by asking: What would we have liked
as freshmen? And as the older students, how
could we improve their experience as they’re just
starting dental school? We presented them with
welcome tokens (flash drives with the DSA logo)
and threw a small party for them to meet fellow
students and staff, which turned into a big party. I
believe we managed to pull off one of the best
orientation and icebreaker functions for our year ones, and I say this because so many students in the
higher years actually came forward saying “I wish I was in year one for this!”
The next major event was the Student Staff cricket match. Thanks to much help and advice from Dr.
Naidu and others, we were able to revive an old DSA tradition. Despite inclement weather, a water-
logged field and absent food vendors, we were able to find ways to still get the match going. The
support from students and staff was amazing, and a true sense of unity could truly be felt. I’ll admit I
was surprised that the academic staff was victorious, and I was particularly surprised at the skill of the
players. Maybe we underestimated them; however the Big Burs are requesting a rematch next
semester.
The Fill In December, 2008
7 www.uwidsa.org [email protected]
Our recent demonstration was a perfect example of how strong we can be when we stand together as
a student body. Despite being put together in such a short space of time, this was probably the first
time that I saw so many of us in agreement that
something more had to be done, even after the DSA
had gone through all the proper channels. By no
means can the DSA or any single student be credited
for the progress seen since, but I will say that our
action in unison definitely served to catalyze
processes that were in the pipelines for months. To
the younger years, take note. This is just another
reason why we should stick close together as a
student body.
With that said, I’ll admit the sailing hasn’t always been smooth and realistically, I don’t expect it to be.
Among us, I’ve realized that there are elements that will always oppose and provide resistance and
seek to divide us. To my fellow students, I urge you to discourage this wherever you see it. As I said
before, we’re all here working towards a common goal. There is no race or competition, so there is no
benefit to be gained by pulling one another down or splitting yourselves apart. This is not the place for
a high-school mentality; that should have been left behind long ago. Let us not be selfish, but try to
work with each other despite our differences. To the younger years, your classes comprise people
from all over the world, but do not let this get in the way of establishing camaraderie. So the languages
and cultural practices may be different. So what? Dental school is hardly ever easy, I can say that
after being here for more than four years, but what truly makes it enjoyable and worth it in the end are
the people you work with daily. As I was told in first year, reach past all that and smash those barriers,
better sooner than later.
To say that the past few weeks were hectic is a gross
understatement, as planning for the banquet still
continued (though at some point we were very close
to postponing). I can say I had good reason for going
around and personally convincing people to attend
this function: student dedication. The last banquet
was planned by four people and this time around I
was certain that it could be that much easier if more
people were involved. It was true to some extent,
The Fill In December, 2008
8 www.uwidsa.org [email protected]
except I had anticipated more people helping out. Nevertheless, we pulled it off, and with this in mind,
I want to thank everyone involved in putting this together, in particular our vice president, Mr Arif
Saqui. Arif has been excited about this banquet since May, and having worked with him since then, I
sometimes wonder if he’s human. He’s easily the most energetic person I know and my executive will
agree he’s a tremendous driving force in the DSA. I’ve seen so much hard work being put in from
people like Sarika, Sarah and Nandita, Ryan, Gren and Qaysir who make themselves available
whenever needed. The word “clique” has been thrown around when in reference to some of them, and
it may appear as one since these are the people we know we can count on whenever needed; these
are the people who continue to work hard and give of their time, so naturally we tend towards them
and frequently associate with them. One person who particularly caught my attention was Arianne
Dhanukdarriesingh (first year student). She came to all our meetings, and went about her own
fundraising ventures by selling chow and cakes. It’s been very inspiring to see that level of dedication,
and I know the future of the DSA is safe as long we have people like her around. First years, take
note!
On the same point, I wish to recognize all the
members of staff present here tonight. It says
something about their dedication to us as students
when our own lecturers can come out and be here
with us outside the school environment. These are
the same people who support our ventures, and 99%
of the time, these are the same people who are
always willing to help us in school, who make
themselves available and are always willing to go the
extra mile to provide us with the standard of education that we need. It’s easy to see that your interest
is genuine. On behalf of the student body, I thank you profusely for working with us and not giving up.
Before leaving, I’ll repeat what I’ve been saying all semester. Students: get involved. Our school isn’t
perfect, and it won’t fix itself. There’s always some way you can give back to the institution. Everyone
can study and pass exams, but at the end of your five years here, can you say that you did any more
than that? I’m not saying go all out and build a new school, but find ways to improve the system and
your experience here. So be proactive, get involved
We have an elegant and fun evening planned. Dinner will be served after the presentation of awards.
So sit back and relax. Once again, welcome to the 8th annual dental banquet. Good evening!
The Fill In December, 2008
9 www.uwidsa.org [email protected]
Dr. Smith’s Banquet Address
Dr. Smith
Note From The Editor Those who were present at the 8th Annual Dental Banquet were not only treated to a true
“Trini” party, but were also had the benefit of listening to some truly inspiring speeches on that night including
those by the Staff – represented by Dr. William Smith – and the Principal of UWI St. Augustine. The Principal’s
speech was brilliant, off the cuff and lifted the spirits of all present. Unfortunately since it was spontaneous we
were unable to obtain a copy for our readers. We did however get Dr. Smith’s speech in its entirety.
While some may feel that there are areas of the speech which are very frank, I believe that the speech was very
meaningful in all that was said and implied. As such I have opted to exercise my discretion and print it all. I ask
the readers to reflect on all that is said herein for it represents a balanced view, is inspiring and holds true to the
spirit of the Dental School and indeed the Fill In.
Dr.Smith’s Speech
I have been asked, in 7 minutes, to bring greetings to all of you on behalf
of the staff of the School of Dentistry and say a few words to you on their
behalf. I am here at the request of students – not the staff - but we all
know based on the events of the last three weeks that students have
unusually high powers of persuasion.
I am embarrassed to have to admit failure. For 5 months, the University
failed to provide the environment conducive to learning - not to mention
providing oral health care to patients. This is not to say that attempts
were not being made. Our Director and Dean have been and still are
spending an enormous amount of time trying to resolve these problems
but to no avail. However, from a performance standpoint, we failed to
deliver.
The Fill In December, 2008
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And what is worse, the higher powers of the University seem to be blind to this failure and they do not seem to
recognize the need to change our strategy. Instead we push on and on with a strategy that has not worked for
the last 15 years.
But still we use it.
But this is not just UWI. It’s the country as a whole. It seems that roads do not get fixed, schools do not get
repaired unless there is a news story on television with some tyres burning and infants holding placards. It is a
sad reflection on our society.
But there is hope. And that hope was manifested 4½ weeks ago when you, the students conducted an effective
programme of activities to make your voices heard and you got the job done.
I was so impressed with the events of that week. And that’s
unusual for a pessimist like myself. Usually a protest like that
would make me feel sad about my school and my country.
But somehow, I managed to look beyond that and thought to
myself..These students are changing the strategy... they are
doing perhaps what we should have been doing years now...
I felt inspired! I felt that there is Hope!
Two weeks ago, the US elected a president who inspired
Americans to look beyond race, beyond age and beyond
experience, beyond traditional boundaries. He reignited
hope within them and a desire to embrace change.
And it is with that spirit tonight that I see the action of the
students. They inspired hope that UWI can really shine like it is intended to. They showed such strength, such
leadership, and such exemplary behaviour of students owning the responsibility for their education.
And unlike in my time, They didn’t just make noise and get attention, but they tabled proposals on how to
utilize the down time on clinics, data was provided to the staff on the amount of hours lost. This was not the
run of the mill protest... but a controlled, well thought out plan of action. It was wonderful.
I think they deserve a round of applause.
They didn’t just make noise and
get attention, but they tabled
proposals on how to utilize the
down time on clinics, data was
provided to the staff on the
amount of hours lost. This was
not the run of the mill protest...
but a controlled, well thought
out plan of action. It was
wonderful.
The Fill In December, 2008
11 www.uwidsa.org [email protected]
But now that is done, what I want to say tonight is what you should expect from us and what we as staff should
expect from you.
I think that you ought to continue to be firm in your resolve to ensure that you are provided with the very best
education in your undergraduate years and provide feedback to us as to how best we can facilitate your
learning.
And as students, learn about yourselves. Know what makes you tick, what motivates you and how best you
learn and share that with your teachers - Get close to us and tell us these important things. Study hard – even
harder than before - and enjoy yourselves while doing it.
What you can expect from us as staff is that we would do everything in our power to ensure that your learning
is facilitated and to make up for the time that was spent out of clinics. You can forget about the fear that we
will graduate you just to get rid of you.
Even though sometimes we want to get rid of you
But our assessment of competency will remain the same, our examinations will be the same and you will not
be allowed to write your final exams until we are sure that you are ready to do so.
You can be reassured that we would not award you a degree – just for so.
And I would like to invite everyone tonight to be inspired by the students’ action on Oct 21st.
On October 21st, the students exemplified Unity – let us be unified in our efforts in our jobs as staff and
students alike. As Obama led Americans to see beyond their differences, let us see beyond our own differences
in the knowledge that we are working toward the same goal. Let us put aside our disagreements and act as the
students did- United in the delivery of a world class dental education programme .
On October 21st, the students exemplified Leadership. Let us be leaders in our own circles of influence and
instead of saying “I cant do this, I don’t feel like doing this,” let us say instead; “How can I do this, or How can I
make myself want to do this?” Let us use all our talents to accomplish the common goal of providing world
class education in Dentistry. Let us demonstrate leadership and scholarship in our research and continue to
educate the world about oral heath in the Caribbean
The Fill In December, 2008
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On October 21st, the students exemplified Change. Let us look at change as a good thing and not become
slaves to bureaucracy, rules and regulations and not see ourselves being limited by traditional boundaries of
the University. May it remind us that if something isn’t working, we need to change our strategy.
Finally, let us work with a unified vision of the Dental School: To be the most competitive and envied centre
for Dental Education and Oral Health Research in the Caribbean and I dare say- in the world.
Unity, Leadership, Strength, Vision.
Let us channel our collective efforts toward that vision and remind ourselves of it – before we teach, before we
plan our research, before we treat patients, before we sit at meetings. Let us recite it at the beginning of the
day -before we do our jobs.
Ladies and Gentlemen – let us eat, drink, dance and be merry tonight and enjoy this event that we are
privileged to be a part of through the continued hard work of the dental students association.
Thank you.
The Fill In December, 2008
13 www.uwidsa.org [email protected]
Nikisha Alexander’s Valedictorian Address
Note from the Editor: Congratulations go out to Nikisha Alexander, the first dental student in the
history of the University to be chosen as the valedictorian.
“This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. It is perhaps the
end of the beginning.”
Salutations
The words quoted at the outset are none other than those of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, after
the first significant victory against Hitler. While we are not at war, his words apply to us since we have
encountered many a struggles to arrive at the point that we are at today.
It is with great pleasure, yet a sense of hesitancy, that I represent the graduating class of 2008 today. I will
attempt to relive our past experiences, establish our station at present and urge us on for the future.
Regardless of the faculty within which we were enrolled or the programme in that faculty to which we
belonged, we all rose above challenges while embracing opportunities. Reflect for a moment on the friendships
forged, with those perhaps of different nationalities and ethnicities. Yes, you may have given support and
assistance at the right time to one in dire straits or you yourself may have been on the receiving end of such.
Do you recall the joy you felt when you attended the Joyce Gibson-Inniss Hall concerts or the Dental Banquet?
Or, perhaps you were active in a particular club or group and looked forward to your outings, field trips or
hikes. Some of us sought refuge in the pool as we swam our stress away, while others kicked away their
frustrations on the football field. And let us not forget, in true ‘Trini’ style the many games of All Fours we
played! Those were the good times!
However, these sweet times were flanked by some bitter experiences. There were times, dare I say that I was
not alone, that some of us lamented, “I should have done a three year degree!” Ironically, there were some
who lamented, “These three years are too long!” My fellow graduates, we endured long nights sometimes with
energy drinks, hoping ‘to get wings.’ For those of us at STARRS and SAC, a beef, chicken or cheese pie was the
delectable meal of choice at 2 am. These experiences made us question why we were here, voluntarily
subjecting ourselves to such anxiety.
The Fill In December, 2008
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It is unthinkable on my part, though, if I failed to mention one of our classmates at the School of Dentistry, who
we lost in death, just on the brink of our final year. We recall the jovial disposition of this lad who hailed from
Botswana. It is not that I want to move you to tears but rather to reflect on something precious that we have
today - life! We have survived the past and let us always thank and praise our Creator for the gift of life and
continue to supplicate Him to spare us to see further days to come.
________
My fellow graduates, as we have just reflected on the past, let us contemplate our present status. I look upon
you today and I see beauty! –Not just because of the makeup, manicures or well-trimmed beard. Rather, we
are a unique collection of bio-chemists and dentists, agriculturists and pharmacists, statisticians and doctors,
veterinarians and scientists each with our own talents, strengths and weaknesses. Yes, there has never been
and will never be a year like ours!
Our experiences at this noble institution have refined us as if by fire, bringing to the fore fine qualities while
honing our skills, for them to be offered to society at large. We have learnt how to work together, how to
compromise, how to function effectively despite internal and external pressures – beautiful attributes indeed!
However, I would like to share with you the words of one lecturer. He said to me, “Do not let your results make
you become complacent. You still have a lot to learn.” Yes, my fellow graduands, as much as we have
progressed to this point, let us not forget that in the school of life we only graduate at death.
___________________
As we look to the future, what do we expect from ourselves? From among our brilliant minds, there may arise
great scientists, inventing new and innovative technology. We anticipate Nobel Laureates, clinicians with
successful private practices, even specialists and consultants. Yet let us never lose our sense of compassion. Let
us retain that desire to help those in need and grant them their dignity as fellow humans, for we are no better
than they are. From among us there will arise husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. Let us know and
understand our individual roles so that we can attain to a happy and successful family life.
Above all, from this moment on, let us never neglect the more important thing – our spirituality. An ancient
guidebook of divine inspiration recorded this proverb, “A name is to be chosen rather than abundant riches,
favour than even silver and gold.” Let us build a good name or reputation with our Creator, the One knowing
why we are here and how we came to be, lest we miss the purpose of our very existence.
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__________________
There is no better time to thank those whose tireless sacrifices throughout our lifetime have brought us to this
place. Our parents and guardians slaved to provide for us mentally, physically, emotionally and materially. We
benefited from the support of our entire families as well as close friends and we appreciate having them with
us to share this moment. Our lecturers were a great source of encouragement during times of mediocrity as
they urged us on to excellence, confident of our potential. We also thank our laboratory technicians,
administrative assistants, dental surgery assistants and others whose vital roles improved our lives at this
honourable institution.
My fellow graduands, we reflected on the past, contemplated the present and dreamt
of the future this evening. Let us with divine support, become exemplary, mature
adults of value, having a meek and humble spirit, allowing ourselves to be molded for
greater tests ahead as this is truly only the end of our beginning!
The Fill In December, 2008
16 www.uwidsa.org [email protected]
Meet the Staff Lois Applewhite
Dr. Rafeek
When in the presence of Dr. Reisha Rafeek, the head
of the Conservative Dentistry department at the
University of the West Indies Dental School, one may
feel bashful and intimidated, but truth be told, Dr.
Rafeek is one the most approachable and down to
earth persons here at our school. A youthful lady, with
hair always flowing freely and a permanent smile fixed
on her face; she is ever-eager to encourage her
students. Her free-spirited personality and witty jokes
will put any distressed student at ease; don’t believe
me? ... Just ask any fourth year student who recently
sat the Crown and Bridge exam. Such mellowness
extends beyond the walls of this fine institution, as
evidenced at the recent DSA Family Fun Day and
Cricket Lime. Dr. Rafeek destroyed the opposing teams, showing no mercy in her bowling. Who would have
guessed that such skills and talent could emanate from a woman so diminutively built?
Dr. Rafeek is a mother, and wife of our featured lecturer from the last issue, Dr. Rahul Naidu. As outlined in the
aforementioned issue, the couple met while pursuing their BDS degrees at Guy’s Hospital University of London.
It was upon her graduation from the University in December 1990 that Dr. Rafeek’s long and successful journey
in the field of dentistry began, and is continuing presently. She is very experienced in her chosen career path,
having worked at various dental offices in England, and gained a number of post-graduate qualifications
including MSc (Dist) in Conservative Dentistry and FDS RCS (Fellowship in Dental Surgery from The Royal
College of Dental Surgeons), England. As a matter of fact, Dr. Rafeek’s achievements began much earlier in her
academic career, in 1986, when she was awarded the Geddes-Grant Huggins National Achievement Award for
all-round excellence in Education and Sport and the Gold Medal for Academic Excellence for A Levels
(SAGHS).
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Teaching-wise, Dr. Rafeek’s duties as lecturer stemmed back in 1994 and continue presently as co-ordinator for
courses DD102 Dental Materials, DD103 Operative Dentistry and DD203/304 Conservative Dentistry
including Endodontics and Crown & Bridge for Year 3, 4 and 5 dental students. She also serves as a Clinical
Supervisor, a first examiner for Final DDS examinations and is a member of numerous committees at the
school.
As if her plate is not full enough and her qualifications sufficient, Dr. Rafeek has co-authored and presented
over twenty articles, abstracts and presentations, with others currently in the process of development. Also,
she has attended over twenty workshops and courses in recent times, and is actively engaged in a few research
activities at present.
It is a great privilege and fortune to have such an accomplished and well-respected lady as a part of our dental
school family, and to present her in this month’s....
24 Questions with Dr. Rafeek
1. Biggest pet peeve?
Dishonesty
2. Favourite movie?
“The Sound of Music” (I know, I know…I can’t help it), “An Officer and a Gentleman” “The Lord of the
Rings” trilogy.
3. What do you do to unwind?
Read, listen to music, dance, drink… (if it’s really bad, reverse the order)
4. What's your favorite food?
Since 1986 it’s been Chicken madras (ideally from a particular Indian restaurant in London) pr ior to
that Crab and callaloo
5. Favorite drinks? (Alcoholic/non alcoholic).
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Vodka/orange usually mixed together
6. What do you rank as your greatest accomplishment? Academic or otherwise.
Academically it has been gaining my fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons or England in
1999. I have been through lots of exams but that was definitely the toughest by far.
7. What is your secret fear?
It wouldn’t be secret if I told you!
8. What is the best advice you have ever received, and from whom?
Never be afraid of anyone or anything in life (my dad) and always aim to do the best that you can do in
whatever job you end up in (my mom).
9. Most embarrassing moment?
Gosh, so many of those, usually involving slipping and sliding somewhere!
10. What is the happiest moment you can remember?
I have been lucky in my life with so many happy moments like getting married but there was
something so special about seeing my newborn babies smile at me for the first time, that’s hard to
beat.
11. If you could have dinner with one person from history, who would it be?
Nostradamus
12. What is something people don't know about you?
That I’m really shy.
13. If you could be one animal, what would it be?
Hmm… I have so many dreams of me flying that I feel I could be a bird.
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14. What influenced your decision to enter the field of dentistry, and furthermore
Conservative Dentistry?
I had a misspent youth drinking litres of coke and ended up at the dentist at age 12 requiring lots of
fillings. After many, pleasant, pain free hours in the chair being looked after by a handsome dentist I
think I was in love…..that and I thought that I was being really rebellious by not doing medicine like
everyone was expecting!
15. What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you in your days as a student,
especially on the clinic?
I was doing my first amalgam filling and spent what I thought was ages drilling, then I called the
instructor over to check and he said in that very English way “Right… call me when you’re into
dentine, will you“. I find it funny now, it wasn’t funny then.
16.What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you in your days as a student, especially
on the clinic?
I had now started oral surgery LA clinic first week doing extractions under local and I had an upper
premolar, first tooth to extract and I broke the root. So my first extraction turned out to be a
surgical…nightmare! I still couldn’t get it out and the instructor, who was an ancient woman called
“dragon lady” had to do it. She was not impressed.
17. As a lecturer, what is the one thing you hate to see a student doing?
Not fulfilling their true potential.
18. Any interests/hobbies ?
Reading, listening to music, looking at football (I’ve been a fan of Tottenham Hotspur since 1981),
talking about exercising but not actually doing it.
19. If you could do something other than dentistry, what would it be?
Archaeology
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20. People you admire and why?
My dad and mum. My dad because he was a quiet man of honesty and integrity, incredibly hard
working and humble. He helped so many people on a daily basis and was a great example of how one
individual can make a huge difference.
My mum (who is not quiet!) but really exemplifies what dedication to family means.
21. Where is the one place you would like to visit?
Afghanistan- my great grandparents on my mother’s side came from Afghanistan and I would love to
see it for myself not through the eyes of war.
22. If you win the lottery tomorrow, what would you do with the money?
I’d give half to charity and spend the other half on family and friends
23. What is the one thing in your life you would like to accomplish in the future?
This is a big question and I don’t really know what the big answer is but helping to establish
Restorative Dentistry as a specialty in the Caribbean is something I would like to do.
24. Is there anything in your life you would like to do over, if you could?
I try to live life as it comes so as not to have too many regrets but if I could do it over I would have
spent much less time working and much more time with my kids when they were younger!
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Student Perspective
What are your thoughts on the Dental Banquet?
“Really good.............lets do it again.....soon.”
Sherry-Ann Narace
“Hi all, this was the best Dental Banquet ever. I really
enjoyed myself. Everything was planed
beautifully, and I hope you will organise the same
thing next year!”Kgomotso Dikole
“The banquet was really fun. A job well done, from
the decorations, to the food. Great opportunity to
mingle and get closer to the rest of the dental family & karaoke was "BESS" (as they say in Trinidad,
lol)!!!” Sarah Inniss
“This was my 1st dental banquet and it definitely won’t be my last. I was really impressed with how
amazing the place looked. The decorations were great and the orange and
gold theme was a great choice. I was there
earlier this year for the pharmacy banquet & if
you had to compare that with dentistry’s, it
would be in two different leagues...even my
girlfriend who is in pharmacy said it was really
well put together. Down to the bar tenders were
great. Good service all round. Keep up the good
work DSA. Christopher Seedial
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“It was really good.”
Priya B.
“This year's dental banquet
was unforgettable. Everything
was well organized. The food
was great. The programme
was entertaining. It was nice to
see everyone outside of dental
school. Can't wait for next
year's banquet”
Marc Mootoo
“Dental Students- you have led the way for others to follow. It was a well executed
programme and the organizers ought to be commended. Teamwork was evident and this
augers well for your future, as a group of professionals.”
Professor Ramsewak, Dean, Faculty of Medical Sciences
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The Fill In
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