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More Than a Smile: Professor Reisha Rafeek Unpacks the Science Behind Oral Health

For Release Upon Receipt - June 30, 2025

St. Augustine


ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. June 30, 2025 – The first female professor of dentistry at The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St Augustine campus, Reisha Rafeek, delivered her inaugural and celebratory professorial lecturer on the main campus, on Thursday, May 22nd, 2025.

 Professor Rafeek is the Deputy Dean of Academic Advising and Outreach at the Faculty of Medical Sciences at The UWI and a practicing dentist with some three decades of experience. Her lecture, entitled What’s Behind a Smile? – Exploring Strategies and Materials Used to Restore a Patient’s Dentition to Aesthetics, Morphology and Functionality covered her research on restorative materials and clinical techniques used particularly in the management of dental caries (decay) and tooth wear.  

 Professor Reisha Rafeek delivers her inaugural lecture, What’s Behind a Smile?: Exploring Strategies and Materials Used to Restore a Patient’s Dentition to Aesthetics, Morphology and Functionality, on May 22nd, 2025, at the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC), The UWI St. Augustine.

 In her address, Professor Rafeek underscored the necessity of good dental health as essential to a person's confidence and wellbeing, ability to speak and chew, quality of life, and overall health. Additionally, she made the point that dental health was key to function, form and aesthetics, but in addition to those elements, there is growing evidence that good or poor dental health is linked to the prevention or on-set of other health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular and Alzheimer's diseases.

 Another essential take-way from her presentation was that, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study, untreated tooth decay (caries) was the most prevalent of all 291 medical conditions evaluated. Tooth decay that goes unattended affect some 3.1 billion people or 44% of the global population. Of course, the cost of the condition on the quality of life is borne by individuals, families and societies. 

 

 Professor Reisha Rafeek proudly holds her official commemorative token during her inaugural professorial lecture held on May 22nd, 2025, at the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC), The UWI St. Augustine.

 Drawing from the professor’s insightful presentation, two powerful recommendations stood out as the foundation for better oral health, namely the need to: (1) reduce or eliminate contact with sugars as when made to linger on the teeth's surface, they are metabolized by bacteria to produce acid that eventually demineralize the tooth's surface; and (2) use a soft toothbrush, mouthwash and floss regularly. After elaborating on a few advances that she and her colleagues are working on including 'digital dentistry' and other studies in restorative care, Professor Rafeek rounded up her presentation by extending her sincere thanks to friends, family, colleagues and mentors who have helped to propel her towards this distinguished achievement.

 Professor Reisha Rafeek shares a proud moment with her family following her inaugural lecture on May 22nd, 2025, at the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC), The UWI St. Augustine.

 At The UWI, the title of ‘Professor’ is not awarded lightly. Unlike many universities where it may be granted based on years of service, at The UWI it is earned strictly on merit. Promotion to this rank reflects a significant body of scholarly research, impactful publications, and dedicated service to the wider community. Each promotion is rigorously reviewed and approved by a panel of both internal peers and respected external examiners.

 

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About The University of the West Indies

 The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier higher education institution and one of only two regional universities in the world. With five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, The UWI continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Consistently ranked among the world’s best by Times Higher Education (THE), The UWI is a global leader in addressing critical challenges, including climate change, sustainability, and development.

 As The UWI St. Augustine Campus celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2025 under the theme Beyond 65: From the Caribbean, For the World, it pays tribute to its Caribbean roots while highlighting its contributions to solving global challenges. This milestone underscores the campus's significant role in producing ground-breaking research and fostering talent that transcends regional boundaries to shape a better world. The UWI St. Augustine’s researchers, academics, and graduates continue to make an international impact, exemplifying the university’s mission to serve the region while influencing the world. Learn more at www.uwi.edu 

 

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