Dundee Faculty of Health student societies win awards
Shows how dental schools are integrating interprofessional learning and community service into student training.
Two student societies at the University of Dundee Faculty of Health won major awards at the 2026 University of Dundee Society and Student Media awards, reflecting the growing momentum of interprofessional collaboration in dental and medical training.
Dental Connect addresses oral health inequality
Dental Connect, a staff-student initiative focused on mitigating oral health inequality through resource development and community outreach, won Charitable Event of the Year. The award recognized The Societies Connect Foodbank Donation competition, which collected over 700 donations for foodbanks and charities. Dental Connect was also shortlisted for New Society of the Year and Committee Member of the Year. Since becoming an official society, the group has expanded to include medical students and launched new initiatives in CPR training and skin cancer awareness, with medical and dental students organizing joint events.
AfroMedics establishes community for underrepresented students
AfroMedics, a society for medical and dental students of African or Caribbean origin, won New Society of the Year in recognition of its successful first year. The society runs teaching sessions, mentoring, and buddy schemes to support students academically and personally. AfroMedics organized the first Scottish Afro-Caribbean Medical and Dental Gala, which brought students and professionals together across Scotland and was shortlisted for Social Event of the Year.
Impact on students and communities
Both societies demonstrate how interprofessional education connects oral and general health. The collaborative initiatives benefit students through exposure to practical experience, insights, and professional skills while positively impacting local communities. The outcomes illustrate how healthcare training can address social determinants of health and build stronger links between clinical practice and community engagement.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dental Connect at Dundee?
Dental Connect is a staff-student initiative at the University of Dundee that aims to mitigate oral health inequality through resource development and community initiatives. It recently expanded to include medical students and has launched programs in CPR training and skin cancer awareness.
What award did Dental Connect win in 2026?
Dental Connect won Charitable Event of the Year for The Societies Connect Foodbank Donation competition, which collected over 700 donations for foodbanks and charities across Dundee.
What does AfroMedics do?
AfroMedics is a society for medical and dental students of African or Caribbean origin at Dundee. It offers teaching sessions, mentoring, buddy schemes, and organizes social events to build community and support underrepresented students in healthcare fields.
How does interprofessional education benefit dental students?
Interprofessional collaboration between dental and medical students provides practical experience, professional skills development, and insights into the links between oral and general health. Students gain experience in real community health interventions while positively impacting local communities.
