21 MDC Paves the Way for Dental Excellence in Balochistan
QUETTA - Due to the distant nature, security situation and reduced literacy rate in the province of Balochistan; the professionals & Dental Auxiliary Staff is deprived of essential information and training on prevention of infectious diseases (Hep B, C & HIV). Dental treatment is a major contributor to the spread of Hepatitis B, C & AIDS, if delivered by non-certified health care providers. Balochistan does not have any formal training school for Dental Auxiliary Staff. It is the need of hour to educate the Dental Auxiliary Staff.
To avoid the spread of such infections and in accordance with the vision WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS policy for Balochistan, the dentists as well as the Dental Auxiliary Staff needs to be educated about the cross infection control measures in practice at Army Dental Corps according to CDC guidelines.
21 MDC Quetta had been approached time and again by the young Doctors and Dental Auxiliary Staff to help the youth in getting professional training. 21 MDC is the only dental facility after AFID Rawalpindi, which is recognized for FCPS part II training in all four specialities of dentistry. For continued dental education, under the auspices of Head Quarter Southern Command 21 MDC acts as a beacon of hope for the professionals of Balochistan province.
A series of symposia and international scientific conferences have been planned in this regard. Two Dental Symposia had already been successfully conducted. A 3rd has been planned on 8th of April 2018 and an International scientific conference of dentistry has been planned to be held from 13 -15 Jul 2018 at Quetta Cantt. The commandant 21 MDC is also elected as president of PPA for the year 2017 / 18 and convenor of CPSP faculty concerned.
1st symposium, Titled "Contemporary Trends in Conventional Fixed Prosthodontics"
It was held on 24 Sep 2017 at Bilal Auditorium Quetta Cantt. Garrison Commander Quetta was the chief guest. Event was attended by more than 270 dental students, House Officers, FCPS residents, general dentists from Balochistan & faculty of Bolan Medical College along with Vice Chancellors of Universities and Principals of Medical and Dental Colleges. Garrison Commander Quetta along with the participants highly appreciated the professional activity. The event was a great professional success as well as a pleasant progression under the vision WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS.
2nd symposium, Titled “Cross Infection Control in Dentistry”
This symposium was held on 31 Dec 2017 for awareness of Dental Auxiliary Staff on sterilization procedures. The symposium was presided by Secretary Health Government of Balochistan. Station Commander Quetta, DMS Log HQ SC, Commandant CMH Quetta and Principal Bolan Medical College also attended. The symposium was attended by Dental Students, House Officers, FCPS residents, General Dentists & Dental Auxiliary Staff from Balochistan. Along with lectures and videos, the para dental staff was also given live demonstrations on the steps of disinfection and sterilization. Seceratary Health Government of Balochistan and Station Commander Quetta appreciated the civil military cooperation and this quantum professional specially to the civil counter parts under the vision WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS.
These steps have resulted in a strong bond between civil and military.
The trust of civil in military leadership has gone stronger. Young dentists of Balochistan have shown enthusiasm to join Pakistan Army as Army Dental Corps Officers. By engaging the youth of Balochistan in the long run these steps will improve peace and harmony in the province of Balochistan.
