Boston University Institute for Dental Research and Education Dubai Holds Graduation Ceremony for First Batch of Postdoctoral Students

Sunday, Jul 10, 2011

Under the patronage of Chairperson of Dubai Healthcare City Authority Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Boston University Institute for Dental Research and Education, Dubai (BUIDRE), a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Academic Medical Center in Dubai Healthcare City, celebrated the graduation ceremony of its first batch of specialist dentists.

Under the patronage of Chairperson of Dubai Healthcare City Authority Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Boston University Institute for Dental Research and Education, Dubai (BUIDRE), a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Academic Medical Center in Dubai Healthcare City, celebrated the graduation ceremony of its first batch of specialist dentists.

During the ceremony that took place at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai, a total of 12 postdoctoral residents received their diplomas and certificates of completion in endodontics, orthodontics,   pediatric dentistry, periodontology and prosthodontics. Of the 12 graduates, approximately 60 per cent were UAE nationals – of which 67 per cent totaled women. Among the graduates that also comprised nationals from Saudi Arabia, Iran and India, three were sponsored by Dubai Health Authority and two by the Ministry of Health.  

His Excellency Qadhi Al Murooshid, General Director of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), attended the graduation ceremony along with Dr. Steven Morgano, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Academic Officer (CAO) of BUIDRE - Dubai, and other faculty members from the Boston University.

His Excellency Qadhi Al Murooshid, said: “On behalf of Chairperson of Dubai Healthcare City Authority Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, I would like to express our pride on graduating our first batch of specialist dentists.

“I am delighted to be here tonight amongst these young achievers. This ceremony reflects our leader’s vision. It is also indicative of the importance of education and self-development, which are crucial pillars of creativity and contribute to shaping a brighter future that we all aspire for.”

On behalf of the UAE Minister of Health His Excellency Dr Hanif Hassan Ali Al Qassim, Engineer Khalid Majid Lootah, Acting Undersecretary for Institutional and Supporting Services at the Ministry of Health, said: “We would like to congratulate the Boston University graduates and wish them the best in their future endeavor. The Ministry of Health applauds the efforts of BUIDRE to enable participants to successfully complete the program and obtain a post-graduate degree in the field of dental medicine.”

In her welcome speech, Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, CEO, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Academic Medical Center, parent institution of BUIDRE - Dubai, said: “We would like to congratulate the first batch of specialized dentists to graduate from the Boston University. We are very proud of our students and would like to reiterate our support and guidance as they embark upon their careers. We wish them the very best in the future.”

Dr. Jeffrey W. Hutter, Dean and Spencer N. Frankl Professor in Dental Medicine, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, said: “It is a privilege to be part of the first BUIDRE graduation ceremony and my heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class of 2011. This graduation is a reflection of the partnership between Boston University and Dubai Healthcare City in our mission to provide excellent education to dental professionals. We are proud of our graduates and confident of their ability to contribute to the overall healthcare of Dubai, the UAE and the region." 

The ceremony concluded with Dr Steven Morgano taking the students through the graduation oath.

Dr. Ayesha Abdullah, Managing Director of Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), said: “My heartfelt congratulations to the graduates on this great milestone in their professional careers. DHCC prides itself on promoting academic and healthcare related programs through its affiliate organizations such as Boston University.”

Willis Wang, Vice-President for Global Operations and Associate Provost for Global Programs, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, and Dr. Jeffrey W. Hutter, Dean and Spencer N. Frankl Professor in Dental Medicine, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, delivered the closing remarks at the ceremony.

The Boston University Institute for Dental Research and Education – Dubai organizes continuing education courses for dentists and dental specialists on the latest tools and techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases. The institute also holds a variety of awareness programs to educate members of the community on the importance of oral and dental health.