Celebrating 100 Years of FMD
The Faculty of Dental Medicine (FMD) at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) celebrated its centenary with a ceremony at the Medical Sciences Campus in the presence of Prof. Salim Daccache S.J., USJ Rector, Dr. Firas Abiad, Minister of Public Health, Mr. Mohammad Mortada, Minister of Culture, Prof. Nada Farhat Mchayleh, FMD Dean, representatives of the Syndicates, the Lebanese Army and Security Forces, university rectors and deans of Lebanese and Arab dental faculties, general directors and senior civil servants, vice-rectors, USJ alumni and officials, as well as students and friends of FMD.
Prof. Carole Chakar, President of the Centenary Committee, stated in her opening remarks that “to mark the centenary, we need to go back in time, to 1920, when the French Dental School was founded with the help of the French authorities. Celebrating a centennial means bringing generations of talented and skilled dentists together, recognizing the dedication of teachers and administrative staff, collecting heartfelt testimonials that reinforce belonging to the alma mater, and demonstrating solidarity.”
According to Dr. Ghassan Yared, Chairman of the FMD Lifelong Learning Committee, scientific congresses are critical for dentists’ lifelong learning. “They enable us to remain at the forefront of scientific and technological advances, exchange knowledge, and promote excellence in our field. Our Faculty is regarded as a pioneer in dentistry and the organization of international congresses. It all started in 1983 with “DentiLiban 1”, Lebanon’s first dental congress. Since then, the annual Dental Congress has established itself as a world-renowned venue for the exchange of innovative ideas and fruitful international collaboration.”
“This year’s congress will span four days,” Yared adds, “offering a rich and diverse experience, with a particular focus on the field of digital dentistry and artificial intelligence, which represents the future of the profession.”
Prof. Nada Farhat Mchayleh, FMD Dean, referred to the commemoration as a century of academic excellence and significant contribution to oral health. “We are proud of our unique status as a French-speaking, trilingual faculty. It’s an excellent opportunity to reflect on our journey and envision our institution’s future. We’ve trained generations of dental professionals who have served their communities, advanced the field of dentistry, and improved the health and well-being of countless people since 1920,” she added.
“From 1975 to 1990,” she continues, “the Lebanese civil war devastated the country, and the Faculty was forced to relocate several times. These challenging times tested us all, but it also strengthened our resolve and unity. Today also marks the 25th anniversary of the Association of Arab Dental Faculties, with our Faculty serving as its permanent headquarters and its Dean serving as its Permanent Secretary General. I would like to extend my greetings to the 20 Arab deans who have traveled to join us in this celebration.”
“This is not only an opportunity to remember the past but also to reflect on our journey,” Prof. Farhat Mchayleh added. “Since 2019, we have faced unprecedented challenges and difficulties. We were, however, determined to persevere and succeed. The question was how to overcome the most difficult obstacles and keep moving forward. The answer was straightforward: through teamwork and a commitment to excellence. As we consider our Faculty’s future, we must consider how we can better train future generations of oral health professionals in the rapidly evolving age of artificial intelligence. How can we maintain our Faculty’s reputation in this international context? The answer is straightforward: we must let the future speak for itself. Let us listen to the voices of future students.”
Then, a holographic projection appeared, featuring students from the future who delivered a message specifically directed to the FMD Faculty members. They underscored the vital skills necessary and the challenges that must be overcome to emerge as future leaders in the field. Subsequently, an exceptional production titled Saro miyé was presented to the public, hosted by journalist Nabila Awad, capturing captivating moments from the rich history of FMD.
“This event stands at the core of the crisis, and I must assert that it is the most effective remedy for it,” declared Prof. Salim Daccache S.J.. “Over the course of its existence,” he further emphasized, “FMD has consistently set an exemplary standard in advancing education and the dental profession through rigorous scientific research, encompassing both laboratory experiments and clinical applications. The realm of dental care is poised to embrace the digital age and artificial intelligence.”
“We salute the great history of this Faculty,” said Dr. Firas Abiad, Minister of Public Health, “as it is one of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in the Arab world. Without a doubt, education is the foundation upon which progress is built, and FMD is a testament to the power of knowledge, nurturing generations of skilled professionals who have made significant contributions to the field of dentistry and oral health. This Faculty has produced not only outstanding dentists but also pioneers in research, education, and innovation.”
Manel Mallat provided a musical interlude before presenting trophies to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of dentistry: Dr. Firas Abiad, Prof. Salim Daccache, Prof. Elie Aramouni, Prof. Antoine Hokayem, Prof. Nada Bou Abboud Naaman, and Prof. Joseph Makzoumi.
FMD Dean then declared the congress open and invited everyone present to the exhibition’s opening.
Read also: Cérémonie du centenaire de la FMD