| Welcome to our 46th Annual Convention |
 A synopsis of the history associated with the Jamaica Dental Association’s annual convention highlights how the collective goodwill and effort of a group of dental surgeons in pursuit of knowledge, supported by sponsors, lecturers and exhibitors have culminated into an inspiring success story. It narrates the journey of an event that has evolved over forty six years (46) from the humblest of beginnings out of a path clouded with uncertainties into a window of opportunity. The emphasis however, has always been on learning. The annual convention provides continuing education for our dental professionals, enhances professional development and in a small but meaningful way helps to promote our country and adds to the tourism product. In 1965 when Dr. Victor Chen See, Dr. Gladstone McDowell and the other pioneers staged the first dental convention in Jamaica, no one would have envisaged its present status of prominence and importance in our beautiful island paradise. Nor would anyone envisage that it would have influenced the proposal of a national policy mandating continuing education for the dental surgeons in the public sector, as published by the Director of Oral Health Services at the Ministry of Health in the 2009 edition of the JDA’S annual convention magazine. I would like to laud and thank all the distinguished parties who have conceived, worked, sponsored and developed this event into a family affair conducive to learning. It is with a sense of gratitude and joy that I welcome you all to the JDA’s 46th annual convention at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, Montego Bay from February 10th-13th 2010. In this years staging, the convention committee has endeavoured to maintain the status quo in the business and the educational aspects. We will facilitate a trade exhibition for the provider of goods and services to the fraternity, plus, introducing, demonstrating and providing hands on practice with various new techniques. The scientific sessions will feature distinguished lecturers from beyond our shores offering didactic sessions /courses in emergency medicine, periodontics among others. The usual fanfare accompanying the opening ceremony will be on display once again and expanded to include the opening of the exhibition hall. The social agenda is geared towards guaranteeing an enjoyable holiday. The planned activities includes a golf tournament, a silent auction (in aid of the dental clinic at the Jamaica National Children’s Home), “Jamaica Nite” (cuisine and entertainment Jamaican style), and a pre-valentine gala and there is the nature added value Sun, Sand and Sea not to mention shopping and sightseeing in the tourist mecca of Montego Bay. I am extending an invitation to all my local colleagues, to participate and take full advantage of this richly rewarding experience. Finally, I wish that all participants, sponsors and visitors will have a wonderful, productive and fulfilling experience at this year’s convention and may God bless you all. Dr. Sandra Hill-Cameron DMD, MSc. |
| Last Updated on Friday, 29 May 2009 16:21 |
