The Faculty of Dentistry hosted a faculty research workshop to explore the research approach within the faculty with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and addressing niche areas comprehensively.
Prof Veerasamy Yengopal, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, highlighted in the opening address the institution's vision aligned with the IOP, emphasising global excellence in teaching, learning, training, and research.
Prof Yengopal urged integrating research into daily operations, fostering collaboration within the institution for societal impact locally and globally, leveraging South Africa's healthcare challenges. This all stems from our values as an institution.
In the words of Prof Yengopal: “You need to make research part of your daily operations. In everything you do, collaboration starts at home, finding partners within your school, faculty and departments to make a greater impact in society, South Africa and globally. South Africa has the burden of disease and we have the patients and that collaboration is the value we bring from the West, so make the research count.”
The purpose setting session was followed by a presentation by the Deputy Dean of Research from the Faculty of Dentistry, Prof Razia Adam, who stressed the need for a fresh perspective in dental research, and also emphasised an interdisciplinary approach.
She shared insights from the Research Engagement Survey for the faculty underlining the relevance of research in clinical excellence and its application in healthcare.
Prof Razia Adam comments: “Today, we need to look at the ways we do things in the spaces we operate in and from. How do we do it differently to achieve greater heights and greater goals? The engagement of research in Dentistry requires an interdisciplinary approach.”
The relevance of clinical excellence was explored. Clinical excellence leads to a growth in knowledge and innovation - this informs clinical practice and results in improved patient outcomes.
Key points from the workshop included developing a research culture, fostering transdisciplinary collaboration, embedding research in clinical services, disseminating knowledge, and translating research for improved healthcare outcomes.
The focus extended to aligning with global health initiatives like WHO, Sustainable Development Goals and the national health priorities.
“We need to leave a footprint that actually makes a difference and be intentional in order to become that global player. We have trained excellent clinicians at UWC, however, our focus should be to grow beyond that and also contribute to research. Then we will make a richer, deeper contribution and reach greater heights.” - Prof Razia Adam
Prof José Frantz, UWC DVC: Research and Innovation, discussed the importance of building research teams by drawing on various expertise within Dentistry.
She emphasised breaking silos, changing mindsets, and promoting true collaboration beyond conventional boundaries for a more significant impact.
Prof Frantz encouraged the need for faculty staff to embrace diversity and their strengths and work together to make an impact through research in the clinical setting and teaching and learning.
“Drawing on all expertise (the researcher, clinician, faculty librarian, technician in the context of Dentistry) in order to make a greater impact. Looking and reaching outside the box we have placed ourselves in and to stop working in silos. Changing the mindsets to expand beyond what we know and how we would normally operate in our spaces. We talk about collaboration, but often do not collaborate.” - Prof José Frantz, DVC Research and Innovation.
Prof Veerasamy Yengopal, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, highlighted in the opening address the institution's vision aligned with the IOP, emphasising global excellence in teaching, learning, training, and research.
Prof Yengopal urged integrating research into daily operations, fostering collaboration within the institution for societal impact locally and globally, leveraging South Africa's healthcare challenges. This all stems from our values as an institution.
In the words of Prof Yengopal: “You need to make research part of your daily operations. In everything you do, collaboration starts at home, finding partners within your school, faculty and departments to make a greater impact in society, South Africa and globally. South Africa has the burden of disease and we have the patients and that collaboration is the value we bring from the West, so make the research count.”
The purpose setting session was followed by a presentation by the Deputy Dean of Research from the Faculty of Dentistry, Prof Razia Adam, who stressed the need for a fresh perspective in dental research, and also emphasised an interdisciplinary approach.
She shared insights from the Research Engagement Survey for the faculty underlining the relevance of research in clinical excellence and its application in healthcare.
Prof Razia Adam comments: “Today, we need to look at the ways we do things in the spaces we operate in and from. How do we do it differently to achieve greater heights and greater goals? The engagement of research in Dentistry requires an interdisciplinary approach.”
The relevance of clinical excellence was explored. Clinical excellence leads to a growth in knowledge and innovation - this informs clinical practice and results in improved patient outcomes.
Key points from the workshop included developing a research culture, fostering transdisciplinary collaboration, embedding research in clinical services, disseminating knowledge, and translating research for improved healthcare outcomes.
The focus extended to aligning with global health initiatives like WHO, Sustainable Development Goals and the national health priorities.
“We need to leave a footprint that actually makes a difference and be intentional in order to become that global player. We have trained excellent clinicians at UWC, however, our focus should be to grow beyond that and also contribute to research. Then we will make a richer, deeper contribution and reach greater heights.” - Prof Razia Adam
Prof José Frantz, UWC DVC: Research and Innovation, discussed the importance of building research teams by drawing on various expertise within Dentistry.
She emphasised breaking silos, changing mindsets, and promoting true collaboration beyond conventional boundaries for a more significant impact.
Prof Frantz encouraged the need for faculty staff to embrace diversity and their strengths and work together to make an impact through research in the clinical setting and teaching and learning.
“Drawing on all expertise (the researcher, clinician, faculty librarian, technician in the context of Dentistry) in order to make a greater impact. Looking and reaching outside the box we have placed ourselves in and to stop working in silos. Changing the mindsets to expand beyond what we know and how we would normally operate in our spaces. We talk about collaboration, but often do not collaborate.” - Prof José Frantz, DVC Research and Innovation.
