An agreement has been made between the Ministry for Gozo, Faculty of Dentistry within the University of Malta and the Gozo Diocese to strengthen the presence of the University of Malta in Gozo.

The Ministry for Gozo in a statement said that, “through this new agreement the Faculty of Dentistry will open dental training clinic in Gozo, which is being made possible through an investment made by the Ministry for Gozo and the University.”

This project will consist of a dental clinic that is equipped with the latest technology, where students taking the dentistry course can carry out their practical training and simultaneously provide various related dental services including awareness campaigns.

Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana said that this project is achieving several key objectives, including to continue to enhance and promote the presence of the University of Malta in Gozo, as well as a place where students, under supervision, are given hands-on training.

Dr Caruana pointed out that a study by the Faculty of Dentistry through the mobile clinic project in partnership with the Ministry for Gozo, found that Gozo has challenges in oral health and hygiene, especially in children.

“That is why the Ministry for Gozo has entered into an agreement with the Diocese of Gozo for a rented property in Ghajnsielem, which will be provided with all the necessary equipment to operate and will be useful for both students and the general community,” she added.

The Gozo Minister concluded by saying that, “above all it is the commitment of the Ministry to strengthen the presence of educational institutions in Gozo in order to have more learning and training opportunities in Gozo.”

Bishop Mario Grech welcomed this initiative in aid of the people of Gozo, because, he said, it goes beyond just addressing health issues. Bishop Grech also showed his satisfaction that Ministry for Gozo launched this project on a site that is the property of the Gozo Diocese.

Rector of the University Prof. Alfred Vella said that the method of teaching is changing, where today we are no longer talking about the `knowledge triangle,’ but are looking at the `knowledge square,’ which also includes practice combined with learning, with research and innovation. Professor Vella said that this agreement will achieve this end.

Photograph: MGOZ/George Scerri

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