“In Belize, we do have a lot of systemic disease that plagues our population. And most of these things initiate from the oral cavity,” said Dr Husberto Shaw.
Shaw has launched the Magazine Dental Academy, a first-of-its-kind institution in Belize that will train students in oral hygiene and oral health education.
He says the idea grew out of concern over the number of Belizeans suffering from preventable oral diseases and the wider health problems linked to poor dental care. “We want to educate more students so they can eventually go out and treat and educate patients,” Shaw explained.
The academy will enrol 25 students each year in a 12‑month programme. Shaw estimates Belize needs about 100 trained oral health workers to meet current demand. Closing that gap will take time, but he says this marks a start where none existed before.
Graduates will leave with a certification in oral health education and oral hygiene, qualifying them to run education programmes in schools and communities, screen patients for cavities and gum disease, perform fluoride treatments, and handle early-stage gum disease themselves. Anything more serious gets referred up to a licensed dentist.
The faculty includes nine dentists, supported by social workers, nurses, and a dietician.
The first cohort begins on July 13. Ten students have already been accepted, and the academy is working to fill the remaining spaces before classes get underway.
