This landmark expansion more than doubles the school’s capacity, paving the way for a significant increase in dental professionals and improved oral care across West Africa.
The 1500 square meter expansion marks the culmination of 20 months of construction and a thriving partnership between UGANC and international charity Mercy Ships. Launched in 2018, this collaboration has transformed UGANC’s dental training program. Previously facing challenges, the school has adopted a practical, patient-focused approach, equipping students with advanced clinical skills through supervised training on modern equipment.
Guinea’s Higher Education Minister, Mr. Alpha Bacar Barry, became the first patient at the new clinic. Highlighting the critical need for dental care in Guinea, he emphasized the importance of infrastructure and skilled professionals. He commended Mercy Ships for their dedication and urged students to make the most of this opportunity to serve their communities.
The new facility significantly addresses the dental professional shortage. With 30 students per class, the Doctorate in Dental Surgery program can now accommodate over 210 students. This is a major leap forward, considering the WHO Africa region’s average of just 3.3 dentists per 100,000 people – a stark contrast to the global ratio.
Before Mercy Ships’ involvement, UGANC lacked simulation stations and an on-site clinic. Through their partnership, the number of simulation stations has grown from 4 to 30, and patient care chairs have increased from 10 to 22. Additionally, the expansion provides new labs for practical training and dental prosthodontics.
The facility boasts cutting-edge technology, including a CBCT (Cone Beam CT) scanner for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, and an electronic medical management system for efficient patient recordkeeping.
Professor Mohamed Cissé, Dean of UGANC’s Faculty of Medicine, expressed hope that this “gem” will eliminate the need for Guineans to seek dental care abroad. He praised Mercy Ships for their pivotal role in transforming the program into a leader in dental education.
Dr. David Ugai, now the Mercy Ships Country Director and Dental Director of Education and Investment, witnessed the overwhelming dental needs in Guinea firsthand during his volunteer work in 2012. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and generous donors who supported the program’s expansion, including biomedical training, surgical specialties, and a nurse anesthesia program.
Dr. Ugai expressed pride in their ability to equip students with skills exceeding Guinea’s standards, aiming towards international accreditation in the future.
UGANC and a partnering institution in Morocco currently attract students from various African nations, including Benin, Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. As of September 2024, 26 international students participate in exchange programs, with 11 dental students from neighboring Sierra Leone (where Mercy Ships’ Global Mercy™ hospital ship has been docked since 2023).
The hope is that these highly educated professionals will return to their home countries, establish new dental schools, and contribute to improved dental care across the region.
ABJ/APA