Training of Dental Medicine Students in Conakry, Guinea
Our humanitarian mission in Conakry, Guinea, organized and sponsored by Ardentis in partnership with Mercy Ships, is coming to an end. Thanks to Ardentis’ commitment, this project was able to come to life with the objective of supporting the training of dental medicine students and sharing sterilization expertise within their new university. This experience was marked by exceptional human encounters and an extremely rewarding professional enrichment.
Arrival in Conakry
From the moment we arrived in Conakry, the warm welcome from the local teams and students deeply moved us. Their motivation and determination to improve oral healthcare in their country were evident. I was particularly touched that many students recognized me thanks to the online courses I had previously delivered. Meeting these students in person, as well as the organizers, was a truly memorable moment.
Training of Dental Medicine Students
One of the main objectives of this mission was to contribute to the training of future Guinean dentists, as well as several students from Benin and Madagascar. Together, we covered a wide range of topics, such as patient management, routine dental care (restorations, oral surgery), radiology, and hygiene protocols in dental practices.
We placed particular emphasis on the importance of clinical practice. We worked in the treatment rooms to strengthen the students’ technical skills, focusing on comprehensive patient care: from collecting and interpreting clinical and radiological data to developing treatment plans and carrying out procedures. I supported some students in treating their very first real patients, a decisive milestone in their training.
We carried out several procedures together, particularly in oral surgery. Dr. Ines Guermazi El Hage (on the left in the blue coat) shared her experience and knowledge, especially regarding extractions. Despite sometimes limited resources, the students demonstrated remarkable determination.
Sterilization Training: a Crucial Issue
In addition to clinical training, a significant part of our mission focused on sterilization. Hygiene and sterilization practices are essential to ensure safe, high-quality care, particularly in contexts where hospital-acquired infections are a concern.
With the recent installation of a new sterilization unit at the university, we were able to work with students and staff to teach modern protocols: instrument management, decontamination, and compliance with international standards. Practical demonstrations accompanied the training to adapt procedures to local resources.
Two employees with no prior training were appointed responsible for sterilization and stock management.Our dental assistant, Angela Montoya (in the center), trained them and implemented an adapted protocol that was printed and displayed at each workstation to facilitate learning and task retention. At the end of their training, these two employees received an official certificate from Ardentis and Mercy Ships validating their new sterilization skills a moment of great pride for them and for the entire team.
