In November, the School of Dentistry formalised a student exchange programme with Fukuoka Dental College in Japan. The partnership aimed to promote cross-cultural learning and academic collaboration between the two institutions. On 19th May, we were delighted to welcome the first group of students to Liverpool as part of this new initiative.
The visiting group comprised six students and one tutor; Honoka Irisa, Riko Hamada, Karen Moriyama, Maki Okada, Junya Kanamoto, Hidekazu Fujiki and Prof. Oka who all participated in an immersive, experiential learning placement at our School.
The week began with a warm welcome from senior staff, followed by guided tours of our clinics, teaching facilities, and campus. On the second day, the students visited the Liverpool University Dental Hospital, where they observed our staff in action across several specialties, including paediatric dentistry, restorative procedures, and oral diagnosis.
Later in the week, the group had the opportunity to use our haptic simulation equipment, engaging in a range of simulated dental procedures.
Beyond their academic programme, the visitors also had the chance to explore Liverpool. Highlights included a trip to the historic Albert Dock, shopping, and a social evening with University staff - featuring a dinner attended by our Dean, Vice-Dean of Learning and Professional Services staff who had worked so hard to make the event a success.
To mark the end of their visit, we hosted a farewell lunch featuring classic British favourites such as sausage rolls, and scones with jam and clotted cream. Gifts were exchanged in a gesture of friendship and cultural appreciation; we presented our guests with an iconic Liverpool lamb banana and a framed picture of the Liver building, while we received a beautifully decorated Japanese ceramic dish.
Chairman Sachiyo Suita was grateful to receive our gifts which they plan to display upon their move to a new campus in the summer. We are proud of this new partnership and look forward to future exchanges that continue to foster international collaboration and enrich the educational experiences of our students.
Prof. Dawson had this to say about the visit; “It was a wonderful opportunity to share cultures, education approaches, and research. I am very grateful to our staff and students who supported the visit, and I know from personal comments from Professor Oka, that it was very much appreciated. We look forward to next year’s visit, that is likely to be slightly later, as Professor Oka wants to attend the European Conference of Paediatric Dentistry following a very kind invitation from Professor Albadri, which further exemplifies the benefits of initiatives such as this.”