Today, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing Justyne Caruana and University of Malta rector Juanito Camilleri inaugurated a Geriatric Dental Teaching Unit project at St Vincent de Paul home for the elderly, a joint project between the Faculty of Dental Surgery within the University of Malta and the home.
Dr Caruana said that this project serves as a huge benefit for elderly residents and for those who live in the community while offering space for specialised training in the geriatric dentistry sector for University students. She said that the Government is working to transform St Vincent de Paul into a centre for excellency in geriatric care training. She described today’s project as a step forward towards this direction.
She explained that the clinic is fully equipped with accessible equipment for elderly patients, including wheelchair users. Various services will be offered at the dental clinic amongst which preventive and operative dentistry, endodontic, removable or fixed dental prosthetics, paradontology, radiology and minor oral surgery services, and oral medicine. Justyne Caruana spoke about the importance of this clinic when one considers the fact that 41% of the residents in elderly homes have serious dental problems.
Justyne Caruana recalled that at St Vincent de Paul huge renovation works are being done, in fact, extensive renovation in 2 wards was concluded and work is underway in two other female wards. She also mentioned the renovation work project of the Rużar Briffa Complex which is set to add a further 125 beds. She said that currently there are also works underway in all the Government owned elderly homes to assure quality care for our elderly.
Prof. Camilleri said that this project can offer support in education and training for all dentistry students who are studying various disciplines in this sector. This provides an environment for specialised training in the geriatric dental care that can possibly lead to postgraduate qualifications.