2007 Press Releases
09.11.2007
The Cork University Dental School and Hospital (CUDSH) will become the first school outside of Dublin to offer recognised specialist orthodontic training with the official opening of the new Postgraduate Orthodontic Clinic.
The Clinic was officially opened today (November 9th 2007) by the Minister for Health and Children, Ms Mary Harney.
The new €4.6 million facility marks a significant development both for University College Cork (UCC) and dentistry in the south of Ireland and means that the Dental School is now a leader in the provision of orthodontic services and training.
The clinic comprises 715 sqm of service, teaching, laboratory, seminar, study, library and support space. The facility is co-located with Cork University Hospital on a single campus.
This new facility is the result of a partnership agreement between UCC and the Health Services Executive (HSE), and has been developed to address the shortage of training places for Orthodontists and to deliver orthodontic treatment to HSE patients in the southern region. The Unit is led by Professor Declan Millett.
Patients who receive care in the new Clinic will benefit from 3-D imaging and information technology to assist in planning and monitoring orthodontic treatments. It is expected the new service will have a major impact on existing waiting lists.
A new three-year full-time Doctorate Programme in Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics) commenced in October 2006 with an intake of four postgraduate students. This is the first taught doctorate programme in orthodontics in Ireland and is approved by the Irish Committee for Specialist Training in Dentistry. The programme which comprises clinical laboratory, theoretical and research components is being delivered in the new purpose-build facilities.
UCC President, Dr Michael Murphy said the addition of the Postgraduate Orthodontic Clinic to the existing facilities in UCC's College of Medicine and Health (incorporating medicine, nursing and midwifery, pharmacy, clinical therapies, dentistry and public health) will enhance the role of UCC at the forefront of Irish healthcare, education and research.
Cork University Dental School and Hospital evolved from the original Dental School established in 1913 by the North Charitable Infirmary, Cork. In 1968, the School was assimiliated into UCC and in 1982 a new purpose built Dental School and Hospital opened at Wilton, adjacent to Cork University Hospital.
Picture shows L-R: Professor Declan Millett, Professor of Orthodontics, CUDSH, Ms Mary Harney, Minister for Health & Children, Dr Michael Murphy, President, UCC, Professor Robbie McConnell, Acting Head, College of Medicine & Health, UCC.
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