The Caribbean

The Caribbean

Introduction
Here is an update on what has been happening in the Caribbean region during February-May 2025.

Antigua – Sunny Smiles Project
A generous grant from the International College of Dentists and Henry Schein Dental enabled the Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association (ABDA) to deliver vital oral health services to eight primary schools identified as having the least access to dental care. Building on this momentum, the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross has joined our initiative through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). They will support our outreach by providing an air-conditioned mobile unit at each site—a significant boost, especially in schools with over 200 students. Given the scope of this initiative, the project is ongoing and requires meticulous coordination with the academic calendar, availability of volunteer dentists (all of whom are active in private or public practice), and other logistical considerations.

Phase I: Education and Outreach
In the first year, our focus was on oral health education. One or two volunteer dentists, along with a nutritionist, visited each school to provide engaging and informative sessions. A videographer documented each visit, and we produced the “Sunny Smiles” movie—an educational film featuring local children and dentists delivering key oral health messages in a relatable and consistent format. This phase reached 874 children in grades Kindergarten through 3.

Phase II: Assessments and Preventive Care
Phase II expanded our efforts to include DMFT/dmft assessments and fluoride gel applications. However, challenges arose due to inadequate lighting and unsuitable furniture in the school environments. To address this, we procured: • Three portable dental chairs with built-in lighting • Portable dental delivery units • 300 mouth mirrors and explorers (sterilized between uses) We also introduced a program to supply a new toothbrush every six months to each child. As we extended our services to all children in Kindergarten, the number of children served in Phase II rose to 1,173.

Phase III: On-Site Treatment
Beginning in September, we are expanding our services to include cleanings, fillings, and other necessary treatments directly on-site. The award included essential dental materials to support these clinical activities. Fluoride applications will continue, reinforcing our preventive approach.

Looking Ahead:
Policy and Advocacy One of the long-term goals of this initiative is to analyse and publish the collected data to advocate for stronger preventive oral health policies—first in Antigua and Barbuda, and potentially in other regions facing similar challenges.

Prof. Reisha Rafeek
Regional Vice President, The Caribbean & Canada

The CDA Bulletin

Stay Informed with the CDA Bulletin

The Commonwealth Dental Association publishes the CDA Bulletin three times a year, providing members with essential insights and updates. This complimentary publication is designed to keep our members informed and engaged with the latest developments in the dental community.

Our publication is circulated to over 52,000 members across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific.

For copies and distribution, please reach out to your regional contacts. Our dedicated region executives are here to assist with all your needs and ensure you receive the necessary materials promptly.

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The Editorial Team

CDA – GDA Webinar

Prosecco and Smoothies- solution to our daily grind!
Causes and management of tooth erosion.

Michael Heffernan BDS, MS
Specialist in Prosthodontics

Sunday 22nd September 2024
14.30 GMT

Michael qualified from Guy’s Hospital in 1990. He trained in the maxillofacial surgery unit for two years at Royal Surrey County
Hospital and then went on to teach in the undergraduate program at the University of Sydney, becoming a clinical associate. He
then enrolled in a three-year full-time master’s degree program at the University of Iowa (USA) in fixed, removable and implant
retained prosthodontics. His research into aesthetic ceramic materials won first place in the research prize from the American
College of Prosthodontists.
He was then awarded a scholarship at the University of Florida in a dedicated implant fellowship. In 2002, he returned to the UK
to run a specialist practice in Harley Street. Michael is also on the USA Embassy list of US trained dentists for recommendation
to US nationals in the UK.
Michael continues his interest in academics as well as the practical side of dentistry and is a Clinical Lecturer at the Eastman
Dental School (UCL). He has lectured nationally and internationally on implant dentistry and has recently been involved in research
with the Dental School at the University of Illinois (USA) and University of Birmingham (UK) on novel treatments for tooth decay.
He writes regular dental articles for the Daily Telegraph and has featured on the BBC and ITV for his expert dental opinion.

The learning objectives:
  • Identify how pH is only one measure of how damaging a food/beverage can be. There are other factors that can also increase the potential for teeth to be affected.
  • Extrinsic and intrinsic acid damage and cross over with caries as both can co-exist
  • What does this mean to our oral microbiome and biofilm formation.
  • Discuss what effects this has on different areas of the tooth surface and why some individuals are more susceptible.
  • Apply this knowledge to help identify at risk individuals and educate them on alternative strategies to protect and prevent further tooth structure loss.

Publications

Given below are the covers of two publications sponsored by the CDA recently.

Tanzania Dental Association 2024

Ghana Dental Association 2024

Ghana Dental Association published a booklet titled “A Caregiver’s Manual of Oral Health For Persons With Special Needs (PSN).” The project was supported by the CDA Small Grants Programme. It is 30 pages long and well-illustrated.

There are two appendices.

Chapters include:
Introduction: The Mouth – The Gateway!! ; The Teeth; Importance of Good Oral Hygiene.4
Caring For Your Child’s Teeth: Recommended Oral Hygiene Routine; Positions for PSN who need help with toothbrushing; Toothbrushing; Flossing; Other Oral Health Practices
Conclusions.

Achieving Predictable Anterior Aesthetics with Dental Implants

Presenter

Prof. Shakeel Shadad

In this insightful session, Prof. Shakeel Shadad delved into advanced techniques for achieving aesthetically pleasing results with dental implants, particularly focusing on anterior aesthetics. Prof. Shadad emphasized the importance of meticulous planning and execution to ensure predictable outcomes. Key takeaways included the role of digital technology in implant placement and the significance of soft tissue management.

Distinguished Award by the BDA for the CDA President-elect

On 10th of May 2018, during their annual Honours and Awards ceremony, which immediately follows the British Dental Association’s AGM and Presidential installation meetings, the CDA’s President-elect Professor DYD Samarickrama was awarded Honorary Membership of the BDA.

Honorary Membership is the highest honour awarded by the BDA, after the presidency. It is awarded only rarely and is “to recognise an exceptional contribution to dentistry nationally and internationally”.

In a packed room at BDA headquarters in London, the award was greeted enthusiastically by those present. It is a life membership of the Association.