Faculty of Dentistry receives two gifts to support bursaries

07 Sep 2009

The NUS Faculty of Dentistry (FoD) received two gifts in support of bursaries for dentistry students - an endowed gift of $257,000 from the World Dental Education Society (WDES), which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Singapore Government, bringing the amount received to $514,000, and a $20,000 donation from Koelnmesse, organiser of the International Dental Exhibition and Meeting in Singapore.

On the donations, Dean of FoD Assoc Prof Keson Tan said: "These gifts are especially meaningful because they come in the year when the Faculty celebrates 80 years of dental education in Singapore."

At a cheque presentation ceremony held as part of the 2009 Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) Annual World Dental Congress, NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan received the donation from WDES President Dr Choo Teck Chuan and FDI President Burton Conrod. Assoc Prof Tan received the donation from Mr Michael Dreyer of Koelnmesse.

The gift from WDES will be used to set up the World Dental Education society - Federation Dentaire Internationale World Dental Federation Bursary Award. As from academic year 2009/2010, two undergraduate dentistry students will benefit from a bursary award of $8,000 each. Last year, WDES donated a $250,000 to offer financial assistance to dentistry students going on overseas travel attachment. As for the donation from Koelnmesse, it will contribute to the FoD 80th Anniversary Bursary.

"Our graduates and faculty have through the years set new benchmarks in clinical care, research and teaching and these gifts from WDES and Koelnmesse will help us to continue with our proud tradition of bringing the best of dental care to Singapore by ensuring that no deserving student is denied admission because of financial difficulties," said Assoc Prof Tan.