50 years of training dentists

Cardiff University is welcoming back former graduates and staff to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the admission of students to train in Dental Surgery.

To mark its Golden Jubilee, the School of Dentistry is hosting a weekend of educational and social events, including the Brian Cooke Lecture, a public lecture named after the School's first Dean.

"As the only dedicated centre for the training of dentists in Wales, Cardiff University's School of Dentistry has played and continues to play a crucially important role in producing the workforce to improve the oral health of Wales," according to Professor Mike Lewis, current Dean of the School.

"Some outstanding dentists have graduated in Cardiff during the last 50 years. This weekend of events is the perfect opportunity for our "dental family" to get together to celebrate their achievements and success," Professor Lewis adds.

The Brian Cooke Lecture will be delivered by Paul Dummer, Professor of Restorative Dentistry at Cardiff, who will consider the challenges of delivering dental education in Wales.

Professor Lewis added: "The University Dental Hospital and School here in Cardiff has grown from strength to strength since it first opened its doors 50 years ago.

"Welsh Government has provided significant investment in our clinical, educational and research facilities which provide a learning and working environment that is the envy of many dental schools in the UK and beyond.

"However, without doubt, our most valuable asset is our graduates and staff.  We hope that the Golden Jubilee events will serve as way of keeping in touch with our graduates, all of who have made our School a source of pride and inspiration."

The Golden Jubilee takes place on the 16-18 May 2014 at the Vale Hotel and Spa Resort, Hensol.