Prof Sandra Hewlett, Dean of the University of Ghana Dental School,  elected as the General Secretary for the newly formed Association.

From the 11th to the 12th of July 2025, the Mohammed VI Faculty of Dental Medicine organized a Symposium on Dental Education in African Countries, at the Campus Ligue Arabe of Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health in Casablanca, partnered by Mercy Ships International and held under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

The theme of the event was: “Unity and Collaboration for Dental Education in Africa”

This symposium brought together deans of dental schools in Africa, faculty members, and experts to foster the development of dental education in Africa, including the training of dental laboratory technicians and dental assistants.

Through lectures and workshops, participants addressed current challenges related to

dental science curricula, governance, and the promotion of educational human resources.

Ghana was represented by Dr Emmanuel Amponsah, Prof Sandra Ama Hewlett and Prof Alexander Oti Acheampong from the University of Development Studies, University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology respectively.

The symposium focused on a dental curriculum for Africa, establishing common educational goals in pedagogical and clinical skills without imposing a one-size-fits-all approach. The symposium also addressed developing programs for specialists and young educators, promoting distance learning and networking, facilitating dental exchange programs between African Dental institutions, and disseminating knowledge through the promotion of scientific conferences and meetings, publication of research innovations and methodologies applicable to dental education, and the establishment and maintenance of appropriate educational and governance databases.

At the end of the symposium, members agreed to and signed a pact to create an association bearing the name ‘Association for Dental Education in Africa’.

The purpose of the association would be to promote and develop teaching in dental sciences, and research in odontological sciences in Africa and will comprise of founding members and associate members, including all natural or legal entities engaged in the advancement and promotion of education in the dental sciences, research in dentistry and the promotion of the highest levels of oral healthcare for all the people of Africa.  

After much deliberation, thirteen participants were voted to form a board of directors. Of the thirteen, four officers were elected to form an executive committee comprising a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer and General Secretary.

Prof Sandra Hewlett, Dean of the University of Ghana Dental School, was elected as the General Secretary for the newly formed Association.