People to People Ambassador Programs is coordinating a delegation of women dentists who will travel to South Africa April 11-20, 2005. Delegates will visit clinics, hospitals, and schools, and meet with women dentists and other dental professionals.
The Women in Dentistry Delegation is being led by Jean Furuyama, DDS, president of the American Association of Women Dentists. Dr. Furuyama is looking forward to sharing this opportunity for professional and personal growth with colleagues from the United States and South Africa. Ambassador Programs is honored to have Dr. Furuyama as the delegation leader, as her involvement will greatly enhance the focus of the exchange. Dr. Furuyama has suggested the following initial topics of discussion:
• Prenatal and postmenopausal periodontal education efforts
• Patterns of practice for women dentists vs. male dentists
• Educational opportunities in dentistry for dentists and staff
• Use of expanded duty staff in South Africa and America
• Access-to-care issues in both countries; socialized dentistry and dental insurance issues
• Preventive dental education for pediatric and adult patients
Dr. Furuyama and Ambassador Programs encourage women dentists and other dentistry professionals to pursue this rare and exciting opportunity. Delegates can play a role in defining the themes for discussion, and will be able to both share and gain insights through the exchange.
Delegates will visit three primary areas - Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, and Cape Town - experiencing South Africa’s culture and heritage along the way.
The delegation will depart for South Africa from New York on April 11, 2005. Following the professional and cultural program in Johannesburg, delegates will travel to Kruger National Park and Cape Town for further professional and cultural exchange. The delegation will arrive back in the United States on April 21.
Members of the delegation will represent the dental profession while advancing the ideals of People to People International, a nonpolitical, private-sector organization dedicated to promoting international understanding. Since its founding by President Eisenhower in 1956, People to People has been conducting educational programs and high-level professional exchanges in some of the world’s most fascinating destinations to encourage dialogue with counterparts in other nations. The delegations allow professionals to exchange information with their overseas counterparts, while forging the bonds of international friendship.
Delegates are encouraged to bring a spouse or guest. A cultural and educational program will be arranged for guests while the professionals attend their meeting sessions. Activities for guests will include visits to historical and cultural sites for an opportunity to explore many aspects of South African life, culture, and customs.
Program details and a registration form are available by calling (877) 787-2000 or emailing [email protected]. More information about People to People Ambassador Programs, including an itinerary for the delegation, can be found on the Web at http://www.ambassadorprograms.org.
