Meet the new faculty in the School of Public and Global Affairs
Meet one of the new faculty members in the School of Public and Global Affairs!
FDU: What about oral healthcare is so important in public health?
Abiola Adeniyi: Oral healthcare plays an essential role in public health for several reasons. First and foremost, oral health is inextricably linked to overall health. Poor oral health is associated with a variety of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and the risk of pregnancy complications. Maintaining good oral health can help to reduce these risks, resulting in a healthier population.
Furthermore, oral health is essential to overall quality of life. Poor oral health impairs a person’s ability to speak, eat, and participate in social activities. Oral health is essential for children’s proper growth and development. When dental problems go unaddressed, they can cause individuals to experience pain, discomfort, and a lower quality of life, negatively impacting their overall well-being. This is especially important given that most dental problems can be prevented.
Access to dental care can be a significant challenge in the context of public health, particularly for underserved populations. Dental professionals who work in public health help to bridge this gap by providing essential preventive and treatment services to communities that would otherwise be unable to access care. Their work not only addresses immediate dental issues, but also helps to prevent more serious health issues in the future, reducing healthcare disparities and improving community health overall.
FDU: Beyond your work, what do you consider to be your greatest achievement or accomplishment?
AA: My most significant accomplishment is my volunteer work. I get a lot of satisfaction from volunteering my time and expertise to improve oral health and promote overall health in underserved communities. One of my most memorable experiences was participating in health outreaches and organizing a dental outreach program in rural Nigeria, where access to care was limited. Seeing the grateful smiles on the faces of people who were receiving these services for the first time was truly rewarding. Furthermore, I take pride in mentoring young people; I volunteer to mentor teens, assisting them in growing and giving back to the community. Being part of their journey and watching them succeed is extremely rewarding.
Personally, I consider raising a loving and compassionate family to be a major accomplishment. My family has always been a source of strength and support for me, and I take great pride in creating a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere at home. Balancing a demanding career with quality family time has been a difficult but immensely rewarding aspect of my life. Finally, my greatest accomplishments are those that have a positive impact on the lives of others and promote a healthy work-life balance.
FDU: What brought you to FDU?
AA: I chose to work at FDU Vancouver, which has a strong focus on educating international graduates, for several reasons. First, the size and potential for growth of this institution were important considerations. The expansive student body and its diverse international composition provide an exceptional platform for global health education and research. The size not only offers a diverse pool of students to engage with but also the opportunity for growth and significant impact in the field.
Additionally, the University’s commitment to international education and the nurturing of a globally aware community aligns well with my belief that addressing global health challenges requires cross-cultural collaboration. The presence of international graduates allows for enriching interactions, sharing diverse perspectives, and contributing to a more holistic understanding of global health issues.
In essence, I chose to work at this University because its size and potential for growth offer an ideal environment to pursue my passion for global health and to engage with a diverse community of learners, ultimately making meaningful contributions to the field.