About
The College of Oral Health Sciences at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) is a premier institution dedicated to the education and training of dental professionals in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region. Established as part of UTech, which itself evolved from the Jamaica Institute of Technology founded in 1958, the College has grown into a vital contributor to oral health knowledge, practice, and community service in Jamaica. The College offers a range of academic programs including a Diploma in Dental Assisting (Expanded Function), Bachelor of Science degrees in Dental Laboratory Technology, Dental Nursing Therapy, and Dental Hygiene. These programs are designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them to meet the oral health needs of a developing country with a comprehensive and community-focused approach.
The mission of the College is to develop competent dental professionals who contribute to research and community service within an academic environment that fosters the acquisition, dissemination, and production of oral health knowledge. The College emphasizes the adoption of new technologies and the building of local and international partnerships to enhance its educational and service delivery capabilities. Its vision is to be recognized as a regional leader and an institution of international excellence in oral health, strategic planning, policy research, and the production and application of dental knowledge.
What sets the College apart is its strong commitment to community outreach and pro bono dental services. For decades, the College has provided free dental care through clinics and health centers across Jamaica, reaching underserved populations and significantly impacting the oral health landscape of the island. Students actively participate in these outreach programs, gaining invaluable hands-on experience while serving as oral health ambassadors in every parish. This integration of community service with education ensures that graduates are not only skilled clinicians but also socially responsible professionals.
The College has also achieved notable milestones such as becoming the first institution outside North America to be approved by the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA), underscoring its commitment to maintaining world-class standards. The College is currently engaged in the accreditation process with the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP), further demonstrating its dedication to quality assurance and international recognition.
In addition to its academic programs, the College is involved in research activities aimed at advancing oral health knowledge and practices. Its faculty and students contribute to policy research and strategic planning in oral health, positioning the College as a thought leader in the region. The College’s unique value proposition lies in its holistic approach to dental education—combining rigorous academic training, community engagement, research, and international collaboration to produce dental professionals who are competent, compassionate, and globally competitive.
Overall, the College of Oral Health Sciences at UTech stands out for its comprehensive educational offerings, its impactful community service, its pursuit of excellence through accreditation and international standards, and its role as a catalyst for improving oral health outcomes in Jamaica and beyond.
