Faculty of Dentistry at the Arab American University of Jenin provides a good and recent quality of education. It is also considered the first dental college in Palestine, as it is distinguished by its experienced and competent academic and technical staff, as well as its equipped clinics with the latest dental requirements.
Twelve classes from various Palestinian cities, villages and camps, have graduated so far from this faculty. This faculty has granted its graduates with bachelor's degree in oral and dental surgery, where they became equipped with modern medical science, and practical skills.
The University Dental Clinics
The faculty of Dentistry has developed a well-quipped medical center, which was supplied with the latest equipment, clinics and laboratories, so as to offer training and therapeutic services for students and the local community.
The Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Maher Jarbawi, said that the college received the first class of students in 2000. Afterwards hundreds of dentist’s graduates were granted their certificates in dentistry, and 85%of them have opened clinics and centers of their own after their graduations. While others are pursuing their higher education in one of the disciplines of dental medicine.
Dr. Jarbawi also said that the Faculty of Dentistry is distinguished by its academic outstanding staff, as well as its training and therapeutic center which is supplied with modern equipment, non-typical clinics, sterilization units, X-rays scan. In addition to offering training for dental students during their studying at the. Besides, it offers many free therapeutic services for all local community; school students, elderly, youth, children, and women. This faculty, moreover, pays much attention to special needs and those who are physically disabled. In brief, the medical center at the faculty is open to citizens, and fresh dentists graduates from various universities to complete the required training that is essential to get the professional certificate "Internship”
Dr. Jarbawi confirmed that the Faculty of Dentistry treated annually 5000 free cases to various strata of the society, and from different governances. They are treated by distinguished students, who are supervised by academic and technical staff. Among the 5,000 free therapeutic cases, which are carried out by the faculty annually, there are 400 dentures,250 dental bridge, 7000 teeth filling, and 11,000 X-rays. In addition to other services such as; dental extraction, cleaning teeth, gum treatment, orthodontic, dental implant. The faculty also, through the course "Dental society", conducts regular schools visits in the districts of Jenin and Qabatiya, in order to provide treatment services. In addition to give advice and guidance, to support the awareness and education about teeth and gums care.
It is important to mention that free treatment costs the university one million and two hundred thousand shekels per a year. This is as a price of materials and medical consumables. Dr. Jarbawi said that the faculty has allocated one million and two hundred thousand shekels during this year, this is for materials and medical consumables that are used for patients of the local community. It also provides central sterilization so as to prevent diseases transmission, by using international standards. He also added that the Council of the university administration is directly provides the faculty and the center with all recent international dentistry requirements, in order to make the faculty and its academic and therapeutic services exemplary by all standards.
Nardean Abu Saif is a fifth- year- student from Haifa. She stated that what distinguishes the students of the Faculty of Dentistry at the Arab American University is how the faculty motivates us to deal directly during the fourth and fifth years with various pathological conditions and cases, that visit the faculty daily. We welcome the patients and prepare them to the best treatment atmosphere. I personally, during my studying has provided treatment to about 20 medical condition. As a result, my personality was shaped, and my practical experience has increased through linking the practical science with the theoretical one. Thus, I feel I can deal with any patient with a great confidence, and I can offer the necessary treatment, and my big goal in life is to serve my compatriots.
Mohammad Al-Thahir a fourth-year- student assured that,” Dealing with patients in clinics is something different. That each case requires different efforts, so it gives us precious experience. I personally feel after treating patients that I am practicing a great humane service parallel with pursuing my education. I feel delighted when I receive thankful words and best wishes from elderly”.
In turn, Marian Sauafta “ Um Imad” is a patient from Tubas. She said that ,”One of my relatives told me that the Faculty of Dentistry at the Arab American University offers free treatments. It is common that dental treatment is expensive so that I came here. When I came here I was received by the students and the teachers as well. They listened to my symptoms, then I have started my weekly treatment sessions, that are being performed by students with their teachers’ supervision. I will soon finish my free treatment, honestly I am proud of this university, and this distinguished faculty and students, who treated me with respect and appreciation, I wish them success in their life, and I hope they will also be a good support for the needy and the sick people”.
Mohammed Mallah is in an eighth grader at Beit Kad School, He said that,” My mother advised me to go to the Faculty of Dentistry at the American University in order to treat my teeth. In the beginning I was so scared, but now I am very satisfied because the doctor that who treats me kidding me so much, we laugh together, and she treats me gently, I did not feel the pain as I expected, and I did not pay any money in exchange for the treatment of my teeth, and I am grateful to this doctor”.
