American Dental  Education Association 

TBD, 2023 

This Preliminary Schedule of Activities represents the initial plans for the delegation as developed in cooperation with your delegation leader, your professional counterparts, and our research team. The Final Schedule of Activities, published approximately 30 days prior to your delegation convening, will be adjusted to reflect the composition of the delegation, unique opportunities, and scheduling with your professional counterparts.

 

Day 1 Sunday

Morning departure from the Miami International Airport, U.S. for Jose Marti International Airport, Havana, Cuba.

Upon arrival, your will be met by your Delegation Manager and local guides. Travel to the Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña, across the bay of Havana and enjoy a beautiful view of the city.   The Fortress of Carlos de la Cabaña, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was erected in the 18th century, between 1763 and 1774.  The fortress served to protect weakest spot of the city’s defense system.  Enjoy traditional Cuban cuisine at the historic La Divina Pastora restaurant. 

Check in to the Grand Aston Hotel La Habana.  Located  in the heart of the Malecón, with a view of the Habana Bay. The Malecón  is a 7 km-long stone seawall, where the life of Havana can be experienced.  Nightly, Cubans gather along the wall to share in the cooling sea breeze with music and dancing.

Before dinner, the Delegation will gather for an informational briefing and introduction.   Later, get your first introduction to Old Havana at one of th iconic restaurants of Havana.

 

Day 2 Monday

We will start the morning with an introduction to Cuba’s National Health System. Presented by a panel of Cuban Health officials, discussions will cover the history of the healthcare system, post revolution (1959) to today.  The officials will share the ministry of health’s structure for resource allocation across rural and urban communities. 

Following Lunch visit the University of Medical Sciences of Havana, meet with the faculty from the School of Dentistry and discuss the curriculum, standards, and structure for  general dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics education.    Meet with the faculty to discuss curriculum, standards and certification.  Learn about admissions and student profiles.  Learn about post graduate mandatory public service and international service requirements.

Later visit the National School of Public Health (ENSAP) to learn about the oral heal initiatives as part of the overall National Health Strategy.   Discuss the impact of the inclusion of oral health as  part of universal health in Cuba and access to care.   Learn about the Oral Cancer Prevention Program (OCPD).  the first  program in the world that has among its achievements the reduction of mortality in the regions of  the lip, floor of the mouth, mobile tongue, palate and mucosa of the cheek, and has resulted in a decreased mortality by 10%.

Later, the delegation will be briefed on the role of the Cuban government and US relations by a representative of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, ICAP.

The Delegation will enjoy dinner at a tradition Cuban Paladar (family-run restaurant, often in the owner’s home). 

 

Day 3 Tuesday

 Start the morning with a visit  to primary care clinic; meet with the administrators and dentists providing care for their community. Discuss Pediatric Dental Care, beginning with prenatal oral hygiene instruction, continuing through school-based preventative care, including simi-annual exams and fluoride treatments given 16 times a year.   

After lunch, visit an elementary school based dental practitioner. Learn about the  oral hygiene instruction and preventative care provided within the school setting.  Discuss how school based preventative services are delivered and the role of the family in oral health.

Tonight, after dinner, your Delegation Manager will help with arrangements for those who wish to attend a variety of optional cultural activities.

 

Day 4 Wednesday

Begin the morning with a guided walking tour of Old Havana. Learn about the history, architecture, an art, that make Old Havana a magical place.

After lunch you will continue learning about oral health in Cuba visiting a community primary care/polyclinic providing care to the elderly. The oral health professionals  and staff will discuss access to care and the challenges presented by the lack of resources. Your counterparts will share their best practices to overcome materials and technology limitations. Discuss initiatives to address poor oral health in seniors and reversing the effects of vitamin/dietary deficiencies in the elderly.

Dinner will be on your own.  Strike out on your own, or with a small group and experience the music, art, and life in Old Havana.

Day 5 Thursday

Start the day Program Wrap-up meeting; this is an opportunity reflect and share your  observations with both your delegation members and many of the oral health professionals you met during you visit to Havana.  Discuss   plans for future collaboration, resource sharing  and on-going networking opportunities.  

The afternoon is reserved for individual research pursuits.

Say goodbye to Cuba and your delegation members at the farewell dinner.

 

Day 6  Friday

Transfer from Jose Marti International Airport, Havana, Cuba to Miami International Airport.