Faculty Leadership
Qualifications: BChD (UWC), MChD (SU), BScHons (USB), PhD (UWC)
Position: Dean
Prof Yengopal is no stranger to UWC - he earned his BChD in Dentistry from the University many years ago, and returned for his PhD in Dental Health / Community Dentistry 25 years later. (In between, he also earned his MChD in Community Dentistry from Stellenbosch University and his BSc Honours in Epidemiology from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.)
He is recognised among his peers as an academic with an outstanding publication record and excellent leadership skills. His areas of interest include child oral health, HIV/AIDS, evidence-based dentistry and dental epidemiology. He has published extensively and has presented at international conferences in most parts of the world, and established himself as an expert in evidence-based healthcare, systematic reviews and meta-analysis.
He has worked with the National Oral Health Directorate and the Department of Health on strategy documents, teaching and research initiatives, outreach prevention programmes, quality assurance, patient satisfaction, evidence-based interventions, referral systems and CPD activities. He was also a key player in the drafting of the Revised National Oral Health Strategy Document for South Africa.
His work is quoted extensively and serves as core evidence that informs on policy and evidence-based clinical decision making, and has been used as evidence to guide policy and treatment decisions by leading healthcare institutions such as the American Dental Association, National Health System (NHS – UK), the Cochrane Library, and the Forsythe Institute at Harvard.
Position: Dean
Biography
Professor Veerasamy Yengopal was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry in October 2021, having previously served for many years as Head of Community Dentistry at the University of the Witwatersrand.Prof Yengopal is no stranger to UWC - he earned his BChD in Dentistry from the University many years ago, and returned for his PhD in Dental Health / Community Dentistry 25 years later. (In between, he also earned his MChD in Community Dentistry from Stellenbosch University and his BSc Honours in Epidemiology from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.)
He is recognised among his peers as an academic with an outstanding publication record and excellent leadership skills. His areas of interest include child oral health, HIV/AIDS, evidence-based dentistry and dental epidemiology. He has published extensively and has presented at international conferences in most parts of the world, and established himself as an expert in evidence-based healthcare, systematic reviews and meta-analysis.
He has worked with the National Oral Health Directorate and the Department of Health on strategy documents, teaching and research initiatives, outreach prevention programmes, quality assurance, patient satisfaction, evidence-based interventions, referral systems and CPD activities. He was also a key player in the drafting of the Revised National Oral Health Strategy Document for South Africa.
His work is quoted extensively and serves as core evidence that informs on policy and evidence-based clinical decision making, and has been used as evidence to guide policy and treatment decisions by leading healthcare institutions such as the American Dental Association, National Health System (NHS – UK), the Cochrane Library, and the Forsythe Institute at Harvard.
Qualifications: BChD, (UWC) PGDip (SU) PGD HM (UCT) MPhil (higher Education) (SU) PhD (UWC)
Position: Deputy Dean: Academic (including Teaching and Learning)
Position: Deputy Dean: Academic (including Teaching and Learning)
Qualifications: PhD MPhil HPE (SU)
Position: Deputy Dean: Postgraduate Studies
Between March and August 2024, Prof Mohamed served as acting Head of Orthodontics (including the Division of Paediatric Dentistry). Prof Mohamed is a registered Dental Practitioner who qualified with a BChD degree in 1998.
Prof Mohamed also holds BSc Honours and Masters degrees in Paediatric Dentistry, a PhD in Community Health, an MPhil in Health Professions Education and a Diploma in Interprofessional Education in Health. She has been involved in all aspects of curriculum development in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Paediatric Dentistry and has been driving the recognition of Paediatric Dentistry as a specialisation in South Africa.
Her areas of interest are varied and include:
Early Childhood Caries
Early Childhood Development
Community Dentistry
Special Care Dentistry
Dental trauma
Sports Dentistry
Mouth guards
Pulp therapy
Interceptive Orthodontics
E-learning
Forensic dentistry
Field Dentistry
Interprofessional Collaborative practice.
Position: Deputy Dean: Postgraduate Studies
Biography
Prof Mohamed occupies the post of Deputy Dean Postgraduate Studies as of August 2023.Prior to this appointment, she served as the Head of Department of Paediatric Dentistry from 2012 to March 2024.Between March and August 2024, Prof Mohamed served as acting Head of Orthodontics (including the Division of Paediatric Dentistry). Prof Mohamed is a registered Dental Practitioner who qualified with a BChD degree in 1998.
Prof Mohamed also holds BSc Honours and Masters degrees in Paediatric Dentistry, a PhD in Community Health, an MPhil in Health Professions Education and a Diploma in Interprofessional Education in Health. She has been involved in all aspects of curriculum development in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Paediatric Dentistry and has been driving the recognition of Paediatric Dentistry as a specialisation in South Africa.
Her areas of interest are varied and include:
Early Childhood Caries
Early Childhood Development
Community Dentistry
Special Care Dentistry
Dental trauma
Sports Dentistry
Mouth guards
Pulp therapy
Interceptive Orthodontics
E-learning
Forensic dentistry
Field Dentistry
Interprofessional Collaborative practice.
Qualifications: BChD PgDip MSc PhD
Position: Deputy Dean: Research
She is a lecturer in Dental Materials with research experience in the field of green nanotechnology and dental biomaterials. She also has a keen interest in dental education and the internationalization of higher education. Her wealth of experience has led to her expertise in operative dentistry specifically cariology and antimicrobial resistance, curriculum development and dental biomaterials.
Prof Adam is an active researcher and supervises Masters and doctoral students in her field of interest. Prof Adam has received training to design national multiplication training workshops for grant writing and has successfully partnered to present an NMT DAAD grant writing workshop for Namibian academics. Her colleagues know her to be results driven and to lead innovation and change.
Prof Adam has consistently demonstrated her ability to develop effective peer working relationships within and across teams in and out of her discipline. This has culminated in successful local and international collaborations. Her passion for sharing skills and knowledge allows her to be a well-respected mentor to junior staff in the Faculty.
Prof Adam was also the recipient of the National Research Foundation’s Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP) postdoctoral fellowship in 2020. She has served as the treasurer of the International Association for Dental Research South African Division for the period 2018-2022. Currently, she is serving as a Councillor for the Global Oral Health Inequalities network in the International Association of Dental Research.
Position: Deputy Dean: Research
Biography
Prof Razia Z Adam is an Associate Professor and Deputy Dean Research at the, Faculty of Dentistry, UWC. Prof Adam is also the current coordinator for the Postgraduate Diploma in Aesthetic Dentistry and Executive member of World Oral Health Collaboration Executive committee since 2017. Prof Adam is a passionate clinical teacher with more than a decade’s experience in the higher education sector.She is a lecturer in Dental Materials with research experience in the field of green nanotechnology and dental biomaterials. She also has a keen interest in dental education and the internationalization of higher education. Her wealth of experience has led to her expertise in operative dentistry specifically cariology and antimicrobial resistance, curriculum development and dental biomaterials.
Prof Adam is an active researcher and supervises Masters and doctoral students in her field of interest. Prof Adam has received training to design national multiplication training workshops for grant writing and has successfully partnered to present an NMT DAAD grant writing workshop for Namibian academics. Her colleagues know her to be results driven and to lead innovation and change.
Prof Adam has consistently demonstrated her ability to develop effective peer working relationships within and across teams in and out of her discipline. This has culminated in successful local and international collaborations. Her passion for sharing skills and knowledge allows her to be a well-respected mentor to junior staff in the Faculty.
Prof Adam was also the recipient of the National Research Foundation’s Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP) postdoctoral fellowship in 2020. She has served as the treasurer of the International Association for Dental Research South African Division for the period 2018-2022. Currently, she is serving as a Councillor for the Global Oral Health Inequalities network in the International Association of Dental Research.
Qualification: BA, MPA (UWC)
Position: Faculty Manager
Email: dentistry@uwc.ac.za
Tel: 021 937 3188
Fax: 021 931 2287
Position: Faculty Manager
Email: dentistry@uwc.ac.za
Tel: 021 937 3188
Fax: 021 931 2287
Dean's Office Staff
Heads of Departments
Prof. Priscilla BrijlalHead: Oral Hygiene |
Prof. Dirk SmitHead: Community Dentistry |
Dr. Deon JoubertActing Head: Orthodontics & Paediatric Dentistry |
Dr. Gregory HeinHead: Maxillofacial & Oral Surgery |
Prof. Sadika KhanActing Head: Prosthodontics |
Prof. Anthea JefthaHead: Oral Medicine & Periodontology |
Prof. Manogari ChettyHead: Craniofacial Biology, Pathology & Radiology |
|
Year Coordinators
BOH YEAR COORDINATORS
Ms Rugshana CaderBOH I Year Coordinator |
Ms Tasneem AjamBOH II Year Coordinator |
Ms Natalie Gordon / Ms Sizakele NdwandweBOH III Year Coordinator |
BDS YEAR COORDINATORS
Dr Aziz MohamedBDS I Year Coordinator |
Dr Jonathan Ziegler / Dr Sonia BredenkampBDS II Year Coordinator |
Dr Naazia Dawray / Dr Qaanita IsaacsBDS III Year Coordinator |
Dr Marcelle CupidoBDS IV Year Coordinator |
Dr Rukshana AhmedBDS V Year Coordinator |
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF: UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
BDS Programme
Tel: +27 (021) 937 3185 |
BOH Programme
Tel: +27 (021) 937 3022 |
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF: POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
Postgraduate Diploma in Dentistry
Tel: +27 (021) 937 3184 |
Masters & PhD
Tel: +27 (021) 937 3183 |
General Enquiries
Tel: +27 (021) 937 3188 |
Finance and HR
Tel: +27 (021) 937 3101 |
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF: DEAN'S OFFICE
Administrator - Dean
Tel: +27 (021) 937 3002 |
Administrator - Deputy Dean: Academic incl L & T
Tel: +27 (021) 937 3004 |
Administrator - Deputy Dean: Research & Deputy Dean: PG Studies
Tel: +27 (021) 937 3003 |
|
Patient Treatment Enquiries
Tygerberg Oral Health CentreTel: +27 (021) 937 3030/3111 |
Mitchells Plain Oral Health CentreTel: +27 (021) 370 4400 |
The Department of Community Dentistry provides undergraduate as well as postgraduate programmes which enable students to make a diagnosis of a population’s oral health problems, establish the causes and effects of the problems and plan effective interventions through interdisciplinary co-operation and organised efforts of society.
The discipline is concerned with promoting the health of a population, and, therefore, focuses action at community level as opposed to an individual.
The discipline is concerned with promoting the health of a population, and, therefore, focuses action at community level as opposed to an individual.
The Department is dedicated to providing evidence-based dental and craniofacial health care through excellence in research, education,
and clinical practice.Our aim is to enhance our knowledge of craniofacial biology and elucidate the complexities of pathological conditions that impact dental and craniofacial health.
This is a diagnostic science department that provides a holistic evaluation of a disease/condition in terms of clinical, radiological and pathological investigations with the aim of providing an accurate diagnosis which informs the therapeutic management of the patient.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration, dental professionals are enabled to provide comprehensive care, thereby potentially improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life.
and clinical practice.Our aim is to enhance our knowledge of craniofacial biology and elucidate the complexities of pathological conditions that impact dental and craniofacial health.
This is a diagnostic science department that provides a holistic evaluation of a disease/condition in terms of clinical, radiological and pathological investigations with the aim of providing an accurate diagnosis which informs the therapeutic management of the patient.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration, dental professionals are enabled to provide comprehensive care, thereby potentially improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life.
The cluster, Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, and Anaesthesiology and Sedation consists of the two departments namely “Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery” as well as ”Anaesthesiology and Sedation”.
The cluster offers postgraduate programmes that vary from clinical postgraduate diplomas, a clinical specialist master’s programme, research masters and PhD studies.
The cluster offers postgraduate programmes that vary from clinical postgraduate diplomas, a clinical specialist master’s programme, research masters and PhD studies.
The Department of Oral Hygiene is primarily responsible for development and delivery of the Degree in Oral Health (BOH).
The scope of expertise of the specialist in Oral Medicine and Periodontics includes the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and anomalies that affect the oral and periodontal tissues, as well as the oral and peri-oral manifestations of systemic diseases according to evidence based practices.
The discipline of orthodontics focuses on the growth and development of the craniofacial complex and dental occlusion, as well as the treatment of abnormalities related to these structures. Although the word orthodontics is derived from the Greek "orthos" being "straight" and "odontos" being "tooth", the scope of orthodontics and orthodontic treatment is much wider than only the dentition.
Paediatric Dentistry encompasses all the different disciplines of dentistry for the child patient. The department caters to the needs of all children (including medically compromised and special needs children) under the age of 12 years.
The scope of Paediatric Dentistry involves the practice of oral and dental health care for infants, children and adolescents, through appropriate preventive, educational and treatment services, which includes treatment under general anaesthesia and sedation.
Paediatric Dentistry encompasses all the different disciplines of dentistry for the child patient. The department caters to the needs of all children (including medically compromised and special needs children) under the age of 12 years.
The scope of Paediatric Dentistry involves the practice of oral and dental health care for infants, children and adolescents, through appropriate preventive, educational and treatment services, which includes treatment under general anaesthesia and sedation.
The Department of Prosthodontics Dentistry core business is teaching removable prosthodontics, research, and clinical services. Teaching and learning removable prosthodontic courses in the undergraduate and postgraduate programs revolve around the rehabilitation of partially and completely edentulous patients. This involves the art and science of designing, planning, constructing and fitting removable artificial appliances or prosthesis in patients’ mouths to replace missing teeth.
The undergraduate curriculum in the BDS program commences from the second year, and spreads over four years. It consists of laboratory and clinical modules. At the end of fifth year, the student is able to successfully treat and manage edentulous patients that present with basic or advanced complications.
The postgraduate programs share a joined platform between Prosthetic and Conservative Dentistry. Postgraduate programs include MChD - clinical Master’s program of 4 years, MSc - clinical Master of Science program of three years (open to international students) and MSc - research Master's program. The department also offer PDD diploma courses in aesthetic dentistry, removable prosthodontics and implantology.
The undergraduate curriculum in the BDS program commences from the second year, and spreads over four years. It consists of laboratory and clinical modules. At the end of fifth year, the student is able to successfully treat and manage edentulous patients that present with basic or advanced complications.
The postgraduate programs share a joined platform between Prosthetic and Conservative Dentistry. Postgraduate programs include MChD - clinical Master’s program of 4 years, MSc - clinical Master of Science program of three years (open to international students) and MSc - research Master's program. The department also offer PDD diploma courses in aesthetic dentistry, removable prosthodontics and implantology.
The WHO collaborating centres are institutions such as research institutes, parts of universities or academies, which the Director-General designates to carry out activities in support of the Organization’s programmes. Currently, there are over 800 WHO collaborating centres in 90 member states working with WHO on areas such as nursing, occupational health, communicable diseases, nutrition, mental health, chronic diseases and health technologies.
