The University of Queensland today will launch Australia's first chair in general practice dentistry, to be privately funded by the dental profession and corporate sponsorship.
International firm Colgate Palmolive will be announced as the first major corporate sponsor at a Brisbane Customs House function to launch the professorship on Wednesday, October 15 at 5.30pm.
The Colgate parent company has funded a number of clinical trials at the University and in 1992 Colgate Oral Care signed a significant five-year research contract with the University, based on its international reputation.
Head of the School of Dentistry Professor Greg Seymour said the University welcomed the extension of its partnership with such a major international sponsor. The Dental School also intended to raise funds for the new chair from dentistry alumni, the dentistry profession, the dental trade and industry.
He said the position, which would be advertised internationally, would provide leadership in an area which constituted 90 percent of dentistry practice. Professorships in this field were lacking in nearly all dental schools worldwide, he said.
'Clearly this will be a first in Australia and will make a recognisable statement about the commitment of the University's Dental School to the profession and the people of Queensland,' Professor Seymour said.
'General practice is the linchpin of Australian dentistry. Most dentists and dental graduates aspire to a career in general dental practice.
'Better training for the general dental practitioners of the 21st century is an issue confronting dental schools worldwide, and most schools now find themselves at crossroads.
'Current dental graduates are exposed to a body of knowledge that is increasing exponentially.
'On commencing general dental practice, graduates are expected to have extensive scientific and clinical knowledge, be competent to examine patients, good communicators, able to work within a dental health team, and at the same time show the high level of manual dexterity necessary for clinical dentistry.
'Clearly, all dental schools are responsible not only for providing students with a sound basis of knowledge and skills, but also preparing them for future changes.'
Professor Seymour said the chair of general practice dentistry would be the profession's position. It would create new links between the School, the profession and the dental industry by opening up communication channels to effectively transmit the profession's needs to the School.
The University had formally taught in the field of general practice dentistry since 1987. The concept was to bring all areas of dentistry together within one clinical area and to ensure students provided a total care approach to their patients.
'The changing oral health status and age distribution of various populations will have a significant influence on the content and emphasis of dental education for the future,' he said.
'Oral health changes have included a substantial reduction in dental caries, a reduced number of patients with few surviving teeth, an increased interest in aesthetic dentistry, and in geriatric and orthodontic care.
'In addition, there is a definite trend towards the practice of minimal intervention dentistry.
'With more patients retaining teeth longer, a number of procedures are becoming more common, such as periodontal treatments, and treatments of worn teeth, root caries, partial dentures, crowns and bridgework. Students require an increased exposure to these procedures so they can understand treatment planning with respect to patients' needs and concerns.'
Professor Seymour said the University's Dental School had recognised trends predicted for the 21st century, and the need to focus on general practice teaching throughout the course. Last year it had agreed to the introduction of a stream of dental practice subjects through each year of the undergraduate course, from second year.
To ensure teaching continued to keep up with the changing needs of dentistry, the School was developing partnerships with the profession, involving enthusiastic and knowledgable staff, and ensuring students were treated as professional colleagues.
Australian Dental Association Queensland branch president Dr Pat Jackman said establishment of the chair was a great achievement in its own right. The position would assist the University to attract further research students and grants, and enhance the general practice standard of graduating dentists.
For further information, contact Professor Seymour, telephone 07 3365 8032, Dr Griffith, telephone 07 3221 6265 or Dr Jackman, telephone 07 3205 2444.
