Public Health Worker Profile: Dr. Knowles
[Part 2 of a series of Public Health workers for 2022 Public Health Week]
Dr Hadassah Knowles is a dentist working as a Dental Officer in the Department of Oral Health. The Oral Health Programme is designed to provide oral health care services to children, seniors and institutionalised individuals, i.e. incarcerated persons. They are also involved in Oral Health promotion and education in our communities and schools.
The Oral Health team comprises dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and educators, and they provide dental and hygiene services in our clinics and sealant and oral health education in our schools.
“I was inspired to become a dentist as there were limited dental services on the island I grew up on, Eleuthera, Bahamas, and I had a strong desire to give back to my community,” said Dr Knowles.
“What I enjoy most about being a Public Health Dental Officer is patient care and education on Oral Health. We provide dental fillings, extractions, root canals, dental X-rays and dentures, and oral health education and promotion in our schools and community.
“Currently, Covid 19 restrictions have been our greatest challenge in implementing our school programmes and health promotions in the community.”
We asked Dr Knowles a few questions about her career.
Was there one pivotal moment/incident that you can share that encouraged or confirmed your career decision?
“Overcoming my personal fear of dental treatment by a caring, kind and gentle dentist who became my mentor and recognising my community’s needs.”
Can you recall one funny moment/incident that happened to you while working as a Public Health Dental Officer?
“A child came into the clinic repeatedly saying she was sorry because she ate Oreo cookies before seeing us. We got her to brush and continue with her dental visit.”
Dr Knowles concluded: “Public Oral Health is a gratifying profession because it combines your skills and knowledge in the treatment of disease. Health promotion and education afford you the ability to help prevent disease before it occurs.
Dr Knowles has worked as a dentist for 28 years and has a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Howard University.
