KARACHI:  Dental hygiene is essential for any healthy society.This was stressed by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila.He was speaking as chief guest at the Convocation 2012 of Altamash Institute of Dental medicine (AIDM) at a  hotel   here on Saturday evening.The Naval Chief stated that the dental hygiene is a must for any healthy modern  society and that the AIDM is providing exemplary service in this respect, according to  a statement of the institution.The AIDM has established itself as a premier institution in dentistry in Pakistan in a short span of ten years.

The chief guest felicitated the 95 graduating students on being awarded degrees in the discipline of Bachelor of Dental Surgery  by the University of Karachi.
The event was attended by a large number of guests besides students of the college and their parents.
Admiral Sandila lauding the AIDM’s efforts, appreciated the high education standard and training imparted to students which was reflected in the results achieved during the recent examinations.
The institute runs in close collaboration with the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, which a prominent research facility in the world, and runs regular exchange programmes in the undergraduate and post graduate disciplines of Dental Medicine.
Admiral Sandila emphasised on students to develop a strong sense of dedication to serve humanity and take pride in their professional work.
He also advised them to take advantage of the scientific advancements and keep themselves abreast with the latest developments in their profession.
Admiral Sandila also informed the audience of the changes taking place in the region around us and the need for all responsible members of the society to play their respective roles in adapting to the new situations dictated by ground realities.
In his report, Principal AIDM Prof. Dr. Mohammad Altamash, highlighted the Institute’s achievements in the last ten years and stated that the Institute is well on its way to being placed on the World Health Organization list as one of the premier educational institutes of Pakistan.
Professor of Periodontology at Karolinska Institute Sweden, Prof.  Per Erik Engstroem, expressed his appreciation for Prof. Dr. Mohammad Altamash for maintaining the highest standards in education and facilities at AIDM.
He said that he was proud to have collaborated with this Institute that is in its tenth year of academic service.
He advised the young dentists to believe in themselves and cultivate their professional interests into career goals.
Associate Academic Dean of AIDM and President of the Academy of Straight Wire And Functional Orthodontics USA, Professor Dr. Bob Gollaher congratulated the graduating students for successfully completing their academic sessions and wished them well for being awarded their degrees.
He encouraged the students to enhance their talents in academics in pursuit of professional excellence.
He further said that the students should not only be good with their work, but they should be good at heart as well.
Vice Chancellor University of Karachi, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser, in his speech, emphasised on the graduating students to step into their profession with the core values of service to  humanity and dedication.
He expressed complete satisfaction with the educational standard of the institute and the facilities extended to the students.
Principal Prof. Dr. Mohammad Altamash, presented mementos and souvenirs to the chief guest, the Vice Chancellor and the Dean Faculty of Medicine at the end of the convocation.