Dentistry students jet off to Norway
THREE University of the Western Cape (UWC) students will have the opportunity to experience education in Norway after years of collaborative interactions between the institution’s Dentistry Faculty and the University of Oslo’s Dental School.
UWC has described this as a “golden opportunity” for the development of undergraduate dentistry students Janke Matthysen, Naadira Omar and Makhosazana Shabangu for the faculty’s first undergrad exchange.
“We are hopeful that this is the beginning of an era where we increase the international exposure of our students,” said UWC dean of dentistry Professor Yusuf Osman.
Described as the biggest dental school in Africa and a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre, UWC dentistry has always been sought out as a partner for international students.
“This is an important day for the faculty. We’ve always had their students coming here but we’ve never had the opportunity to send students to the other side,” Prof Osman.
“There will be challenges, and everything won’t just fall into place... but remember, it’s not just you, it’s us. We’re all in it together,” Vivienne Wilson, deputy dean: academic at the Faculty of Dentistry, told the students at a recent send-off function at Tygerberg Hospital.
Shabangu said: “When the time came to apply, I didn’t hesitate. I‘m looking forward to meeting people from all over the world, and I am very excited to network and hopefully make lasting relationships. I’m also looking forward to learning a new language.”
She sees herself becoming a specialist in the field of prosthodontics, with plans of having her own practice and dental technology lab.
“I took a gap year after matric, then applied to study a BSc at UWC before making the decision to pursue a career in dentistry. I can confidently say that was the best decision I ever made, because I have learnt to appreciate and love this profession in a way I never imagined.
“What I find most interesting about dentistry is experiencing the amazing changes in our patients’ health, as well as the transformations that occur where we restore people’s confidence. It all begins with a great smile.”
Matthysen said she was looking forward to learning on an international level, not only about the Norwegian
We’ve always had their students here, but we’ve never had the opportunity to send students there
Professor Yusuf Osman Dean of Dentistry
approach to dentistry, but the culture and the experience as a whole.
“I really believe that whenever we get the chance to explore the world, we should not hesitate for one moment, as the value of gaining knowledge and experience is immeasurable.”
Omar said: “I couldn’t pass this experience up. Dentistry is a very challenging career choice. The pressure of balancing clinics and theoretical work is hard, but when an opportunity comes your way to gain knowledge on another level, you grasp it.”