End-Of-Year Conversation With UADS Executives On Manifesto Deliverables: Committee On Dental Education And Health(CODEH) Chairperson, Odetoki Raheemat

In August 2024, Raheemat Odetoki was elected as the CODEH Chairperson through a by-election. Presentation of manifesto on the senate floor preceded election as the CODEH Chairperson for 2024/2025 tenure as required by the constitution. She was reached out to by the press to discuss plans, and challenges, as well as achieved goals in office. 

Current State Of Tenure

The tenure so far can be described as productive. Collaboration with an excellent Executive Council and dedicated committee members has yielded positive results. It is hoped that this momentum will be sustained throughout the remainder of the tenure.

Collaboration With Sigma Club 

The first outreach of the tenure was a collaboration with Sigma Club, University of Ibadan, held at Ijaiye community, Akinyele local government, Ibadan, on Saturday, 28th September 2024. Approximately 80 individuals benefited from the outreach, some of whom received scaling and polishing treatments.

Collaboration With The Association Of Resident Doctors (ARD), UCH

The second outreach was conducted in collaboration with the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), UCH, during their annual week. Held on Wednesday, 4th December 2024, at the Oyo State Pensioners’ House in Jericho, Ibadan, the event offered free dental consultations and procedures to Oyo State pensioners, courtesy of dental clinical final-year students who volunteered. 

UADS 2024 Mega Outreach

The third outreach, the UADS Mega Outreach was sponsored by SIFAX Group and took place on Saturday, 14th December, 2024, in the Sabo community, Mokola, Ibadan. The decision to visit the Sabo community was based on its large population and the need for increased awareness of oral health care in the area. The outreach successfully raised awareness about quality oral health practices and provided free dental consultations and procedures to residents.

Challenges

One of the challenges faced so far is securing suitable locations for the outreaches. Obtaining a free space in a major marketplace for a “free” community service has been frustrating. Plans are ongoing to find a more efficient solution to this issue moving forward.

Future Plans

More outreach programs can be anticipated. CODEH has already organized three outreaches, with plans for additional ones beyond the annual outreach during Health Week. Collaborations with other organizations are also being planned to further CODEH's goal

Salami Wisdom