COMMUINTY AND PREVENTIVE DENTSITRY DEPARTMENT

 

BACKGROUND

The Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry is a composite department made up of two specialty units: Community Dentistry and Periodontology. The department runs courses in Periodontics, Community Dentistry, Behavioural Science and Biostatistics and Research Methodology. The department effectively integrates theoretical and hands-on approaches via series of lectures, clinical sessions, tutorials, seminars community work and dental outreaches. It is engaged in educating both undergraduate and postgraduate students and actively participates in research activities.

 

PERIODONTICS 

Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth and dental implants. This includes addressing issues related to the periodontium and dental implant placement.

This course provides understanding into the science and art of periodontics emphasizing the anatomy and physiology of periodontal and peri-implant structures. It focuses on preventive and therapeutic periodontics, enabling students to distinguish between health and disease, identify causes, make diagnoses, establish prognoses, create treatment plans, and manage cases of periodontal disease.

The course covers both non-surgical and surgical management of periodontal diseases. Students learn about the clinical presentation of periodontal diseases, various treatment options, endosseous implant therapy concepts, and how to integrate this information into patient care. They also gain an understanding of managing advanced periodontal diseases and have expectations for surgical treatments. Additionally highlighted, are the connections between periodontics and other dental disciplines. Students apply their acquired knowledge and skills towards effectively caring for patients with periodontal issues.

 

COMMUNITY DENTISTRY

Community Dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on protecting, maintaining, and improving the oral health of a population within a social unit or community. It involves organized efforts to prevent and control oral diseases and promote oral health through community-based initiatives. 

This course involves the practice of preventing and controlling oral diseases, and promoting oral health through community engagement. It emphasizes the significance of dental public health for delivering effective oral care to communities, offering practical experience through community outreach programs that focuses on improving the oral health of a population. Students are taught the importance of dental public health in providing quality oral care to communities and are equipped with knowledge and skills in this area. They also, participate in community outreach programs at local schools and in the community where they learn to identify common oral diseases and provide education on dental health during these visits. Additionally, final year students complete a dissertation or project demonstrating their understanding of Community Dentistry and scientific writing skills, aiming to foster an interest in scientific research.

 

BIOSTATISTICS AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Biostatistics is the application of statistics to biological and medical data, while research methodology involves the processes and techniques used in conducting scientific research. Both biostatistics and research methodology are essential in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data in the fields of biology and medicine.

This course provides students with an introduction to the processes involved in research activities. It covers research designs and methods, sampling and interview techniques, as well as statistical concepts and their application to data analysis. Students gain knowledge in basic statistics, hypothesis testing, and computer skills for data analysis. The course exposes students to various data analytical tools such as SPSS and MS Access database for data capture and management. Students also participate in a pilot research project where they learn practical data handling and report writing skills, as well as appropriate interpretation of statistical analysis findings from their research work.

                                  

BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE

Behavioral science is a field that studies the behaviour of individuals and groups, incorporating various areas such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, and neuroscience to understand human actions and interactions. This interdisciplinary approach explores the complexities of human behaviour in different contexts, including healthcare, education, and social settings.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of psychological and behavioural factors on dental care. It covers the management of paediatric and geriatric patients, behaviour disorders, personality types, communication techniques, cultural influences on dentistry, and effective patient assessment methods. The course also delves into the influence of psychosocial factors on physical health, developmental stages in individuals, psychopathology's effects on dentistry and social behaviours like doctor-patient interactions. Additionally, it addresses emotional intelligence and motivation in relation to attitudes towards healthcare delivery for the benefit of patients and healthcare professionals

 

DEPARTMENTAL FACULTY                                                      

Daniel Tormeti                                              -           Senior Lecturer/Head of Department

BSc. BDS, Dipl. ABP, FGCPS                                                

Thomas Ndanu                                              -           Senior Research Fellow

MPhil, Ph.D

Alfred D. Dai-Kosi                                        -            Senior Lecturer 

BA, MPhil, PGCERT, PhD 

Josephine Sackeyfio                                      -          Lecturer/Part-Time 

BDS, FGCS

Jihad Joseph Akl                                           -           Lecturer/Part-Time 

BDS, Buccol

Emma Vasco                                                  -           Lecturer/Part-Time

BDS, MGCS, FGCS

Mary Ayettey-Adamafio                               -         Lecturer/Part-Time

BDS, FGCS, FWACS

Joseph Kwasi Nimako-Boateng (Jnr)         -          Lecturer/Part-Time

BSc., BDS, DDPH, MSC, FIOCI, MPHIL

 

 

DR. DANIEL TORMETI (HEAD OF DEPARTMENT)

2

Dr. Daniel Tormeti is a consultant periodontist and a senior lecturer in the Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry. He is an alumnus of University of Ghana Dental School (UGDS) and New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD). He is a Fellow of Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.

He is currently, the Head of Community and Preventive Dentistry Department and the Clinical Coordinator of the UGDS Clinic. He is involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students in periodontics, and dedicated to advancing the field of periodontics and implant dentistry through research and clinical practice.

Dr. Daniel Tormeti has extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating various periodontal and peri-implant diseases, as well as providing comprehensive care for patients with complex oral health issues. He has to his credit several publications and book chapters. His current research focus include: Halitosis, periodontal microbiota, innovative approaches to dental implant placement, and the impact of systemic diseases on periodontal health

As an educator, Dr. Tormeti is known for his teaching style that combines theoretical knowledge with practical clinical skills. He mentors and inspires students to excel in their studies while nurturing the next generation of dental professionals to excel in this specialized area of oral health care.

Selected peer-reviewed publications by Dr. Daniel Tormeti

  1. D, Berko & N, Quartey-Papafio & Ampofo, Patrick Caldicock & Fleischer, Heidimarie & Tormeti, Daniel. (2023). Awareness and Practice of Tooth Replacement Among Elderly Ghanaian Adult Within the Greater Accra Metropolis. Scholars Journal of Dental Sciences 2023 Dec.; 7. 95-102.

 

  1. Tormeti D, Nii-Aponsah H, Sackeyfio J, Blankson PK, Quartey-Papafio N, Arthur M, Ndanu TA. Periodontal status and oral hygiene practices among adults in a peri-urban fishing community in Ghana. Pan Afr Med J 2022 June 16;42:126. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2022.42.126.24557. 

 

  1. Hewlett SA, Anto F, Blankson PK, Tormeti D, Ayettey-Adamafio M, Bayitse  P, Danso-Appiah T, Amoah AG. Periodontitis prevalence and severity in an African population: A cross-sectional study in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. J Perio dontol. 2022 May; 93(5):732-744. doi: 10.1002/JPER.21-0329. 

 

  1. Ayettey-Adamafio MNB, Tormeti D, Vasco E, Ndanu TA, Nartey NO, Asamoah K, Kyei-Baafour E, Hewlett SA. Total Salivary Immunoglobulin A Determination Before and After Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment in Patients with Aggressive Periodontitis. Journal of Surgery and Research. 2022; 5 (2): 322-331.

 

  1. Dai-Kosi AD, Opoku-Ansah NA, Blankson PK, Tormeti D, Sackeyfio J, Acquaye VA, Kwamin F. Dental Phobia and Its Impact on the Quality of Life of a Ghanaian Adult Population. Nigerian Dental Journal  2021 June 29(1):3-10 doi: 10.61172/ndj.v29i1.72

 

  1. Tormeti D, Blankson PK, Atinka S, Sackeyfio J, Dai-Kosi A, Ayettey-Adamafio M. Self-Perceived Halitosis in La, a Suburb of Accra, Ghana. West Afr J Med 2021 Feb; 38(2): 120-124.

 

  1. Acheapong A.O, Kokuro C, Obiri-Yeboah S, Osei-Bonsu F, Tormeti D, Larmie R N L, Gyimah N T A, Anarfi N, Obeng C A, Pouzaa B, Mensah J K, Baffour-Awuah S, Donkor P. Conditions associated with orofacial infections: The Kath experience. East African Medical Journal 2019; 96 (5)

 

  1. Blankson P.K, Blankson H.N.A, Obeng-Nkrumah N, Turkson A, Tormeti D, Adamafio M, Awuah-Mensah G, Asmah R.H, Detection of herpes viruses in Ghanaian patients with periodontitis. J Investig Clin Dent. 2019; 10(2): e12386. https://doi.org/10.1111/jicd.12386

 

  1. Tormeti D, Ayettey-Adamafio M, Vasco E. Case presentation on esthetic crown lengthening. Ghana Dental Journal 2018; 15: 21-23

 

  1. Vasco E, Kwamin F, Tormeti D, Ndanu TA. Effectiveness of non-surgical mechanical therapy on periodontal pockets in patients with moderate chronic periodontitis seen at the University of Ghana Dental School Clinic: Effectiveness of non-surgical therapy on periodontal pockets. Afri J Oral Maxillofac Path. Med. July 2018; (4)2: 22-32                                                                   

 

  1. Vasco E, Kwamin F, Nyako EA, Tormeti D, Ndanu TA. Comparison of hand and ultrasonic instrumentation on periodontal parameters in Ghanaian patients with moderate chronic periodontitis. Postgraduate Medical Journal of Ghana 2016; 5: 20-27

 

  1. Broder HL, Tormeti D, Kurtz AL, Baah-Odoom D, Hill RM, Hirsch SM, Hwelett SA, Nimako-Boateng JK, Rodriguez JY, Sischo L. Type II diabetes and oral health: perception among adults with diabetes and oral/health care providers in Ghana. Community Dental Health 2014; 31(3): 158-62