UGDS holds debate to mark Oral Health Day
In a debate held last Monday at the University of Ghana Dental School (UGDS), students who opposed the motion; “A happy mouth is…A happy body” were declared winners.
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The debate held as part of the World Oral Health Day celebration by the Ghana Dental Association (GDA), sparked a discussion on the relationship between oral health and overall well-being.
It featured participants from Level 500 and 600 classes of the UGDS and took place at the Charles Easmon Building (UGDS) of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra.
During the debate, the team who favoured the motion argued that; good oral health leads to a brighter smile, and a positive outlook and prevents unwanted bacteria from entering the body through the mouth.
They underscored the importance of maintaining oral health by regularly visiting the dentist, brushing twice daily and flossing in between the teeth.
In counterarguments, the opposing team and winners emphasised that happiness and overall well-being were multifaceted and could not be solely attributed to the condition of one's mouth.
One member; Miss Akosua Agyemang Gyebi said: “There is the need for a balanced approach to health, such as good nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, having money, good economy and access to healthcare services rather than just oral health”.
As they were cheered on by the audience, Miss Gyebi encouraged critical thinking and consideration of the broader context in which oral health existed within society.
Handing over the prizes which were cash and souvenirs, a Senior lecturer of the UGDS, Prof. Sandra Hewlett, thanked the participants for their thought-provoking submissions.
“The insights gained from the debate will inform ongoing efforts by the GDA and other stakeholders to promote oral health awareness and education within our communities”, she added.
Two other members of the winning team were, Miss Akua Adwedaa and Miss Agyeiwaa Bawua.
In an interview, Prof. Hewlett said fostering dialogue and critical thinking such as the debate could help empower individuals, especially women to be bold, confident and challenge the status quo.
A student and participant, Mr Andrew Osei-Darko, said he had gained a deeper understanding of the complex factors which contributed to happiness and well-being from the debate.
He commended his fellow coursemates for their boldness and interesting submissions.
“The girls did very well, I did not know some of them could talk like that, I wish we would host such debates more often”, he added.
