UKZN Staffer’s Master’s Degree Enhances Dental Education

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UKZN Clinical Supervisor in the Discipline of Dentistry, Mr Ashveer Mukesh Gopie, was thrilled to receive his Master of Public Health degree at the University on 18 September 2025.

He credited his success to the excellent supervision of Professor Shenuka Singh - Full Professor in the Discipline of Dentistry and Chair of the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee at UKZN - as well as to his unwavering support structure.

Gopie said: “Balancing clinical teaching, supervision, and postgraduate research requires strong time management skills, which are the building blocks to academic success.” His research examined the time management skills of undergraduate students during clinical training in the Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene programmes at an unidentified academic institution in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The study aligned with the principles of competency-based learning, patient-centred care, and time management within health professions education. His study provided new insights into dental education, emphasising that time management remains a critical competency within the undergraduate dental curriculum. “As dental students transition from classroom-based learning to clinical training, their clinical competencies are pivotal to effective time management skills. This area has been largely underexplored in existing literature.”

The research highlighted the significance of students’ active participation, practical experience, and meaningful engagement within clinical settings. Additionally, the combined efforts of dental educators, clinical supervisors, and patients are instrumental in shaping students’ learning experiences and developing their clinical skills.

“The findings provide valuable direction for curriculum developers, health science educators, and policymakers, underscoring the need to integrate structured time management training within undergraduate programmes,” said Gopie. “The study will also help other academics and me to reflect on how clinical time management skills are developed and sustained in the undergraduate dental curriculum.”

Reflecting on his journey, Gopie shared that being a postgraduate student and staff member within the Discipline of Dentistry provided unique opportunities for collaboration and growth within a nurturing academic environment. Every aspect of his journey was illuminated and enriched, from the infrastructure and administrators to the lecturers. Most significantly, his research supervisor and mentor, Singh, was instrumental throughout his research journey, helping him produce three peer-reviewed publications.”

Gopie said he was forever grateful to his parents for being his driving force in obtaining his master’s degree and achieving this milestone in his career. “They have instilled strong values and cultural traditions from my grandparents, contributing to my personal and professional growth. The unwavering support of my family, lecturers, colleagues, students, and friends played an invaluable role throughout my research journey. I am deeply thankful for their encouragement, understanding, and belief in my abilities, especially during the most challenging times.”

To aspiring students, Gopie shared this advice: “Believe in yourself, manage your time wisely, and stay consistent in pursuing what you do best.”

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini