UADS 43rd Health Week Kicks Off On Friday — Peep The Event Lineup

It is no longer breaking news that the 43rd edition of the Unibadan Association of Dental Students (UADS) Annual Health Week is scheduled to hold from Friday, July 11th to Saturday, July 19th, 2025. This year's theme, “ÀSÀ: Cultural Intersection in the Practice of Dentistry”, has naturally generated high expectations from prospective participants of this weeklong event.

This year’s edition sets out to spotlight an often-overlooked subject: the role of culture in shaping dental care. It aims to inspire meaningful conversations around the beliefs, values, and traditions that influence how people perceive and respond to oral health—especially from an African perspective. This year's theme emphasizes that dentistry does not exist in isolation from people’s lived experiences. It also highlights the interactions between patients and practitioners, traditional and modern beliefs, and the ways oral health is taught, understood, and practiced across diverse cultural lines. 

The 8-day event kicks off in grand style with Bonfire Night—not to worry, it’s all fire in spirit, not in flames! This opening event sets the tone for the entire Health Week, bringing members together to dance, eat, drink, and soak up as much fun as they can. Personally, this is the one event I look forward to the most every Health Week.

As always, no Health Week is complete without an outreach, and this year is no exception. The Committee on Dental Education and Health (CODEH) will once again take to the community to raise awareness about oral hygiene. Alongside educating the public, they’ll be offering free health services, including blood pressure checks, glucose tests, dental consultations, and scaling and polishing—all at no cost. 

Of course, the friendly interclass rivalries we all look forward to are back in full swing. Each class will get the chance to show off their unity, energy, and competitive spirit through a variety of events organized by the Sports Committee—think football, table tennis, egg races, sack races, and board games. The football competition has been on,  but the big question remains: who will lift the trophy between the 2k23 and 2k26 classes? You'll just have to be there to find out.

Also returning is the interclass Quiz Competition, proudly sponsored by Dr. Alabi (Tooth Boy). This hotly contested event will see the 2k21, 2k23, 2k24, and 2k25 classes battling it out for intellectual supremacy and bragging rights. Even more exciting is the return of the Professor Denloye Oratory and Debate (PDOD) Interlevel Competition, which was sorely missed during the last Health Week. With its comeback, we’re expecting an impressive display of eloquence, wit, and public speaking flair from all participating classes.

The Symposium, which serves as the intellectual core and official platform for conversations around the central theme of the Health Week, will be held on Monday, July 14th. This year’s theme, “Cultural Dilemmas in Oral Healthcare: The Facts, the Myths, and the Nuances,” promises to be a thought-provoking session. Attendees can expect engaging discussions from insightful speakers who will explore a range of topics from the clash between cultural beliefs and modern, science-based dental care, to the grey areas where both worlds intersect. It’s an opportunity to understand how traditional practices shape oral health behaviors, and how we can bridge these differences with respect, education, and collaboration. 
In a bid to spice up this year’s Health Week, a brand new event has been added to the lineup— A Talent Show, proudly sponsored by Dr. Cherry Entafield. This is a commendable initiative, as it provides a platform for UADS members to showcase their creativity and talents. It's all about inclusion, fun, and entertainment, and with a cash prize that's truly life-changing, participants are expected to bring their A-game.

The Health Week will wrap up on a magical note with a dinner themed "Once in a Blue Moon." This closing event offers a chance for members to unwind, connect, and celebrate in a relaxed and elegant setting. It's more than just a social gathering, it’s a night to recognize and honour students who have gone above and beyond in service to the association and those who have distinguished themselves in other meaningful endeavors. 

As the countdown begins, this is a warm call to all UADS members to participate fully and intentionally take a break from the academic grind. Immerse yourself in the joy and connection that Health Week brings, and clear your schedule where you can. You've earned this celebration. 

Jesse Bina