Twelve post-doctoral students received their diplomas in endodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontology and prosthodontics from Boston University Institute for Dental Research and Education, Dubai (BUIDRE). Boston University Institute, a member of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Academic Medical Centre in Dubai Healthcare City, celebrated the graduation ceremony of its first batch of specialist dentists. Of the 12 graduates, approximately 60 per cent were UAE nationals — of whom 67 per cent were women. Patronage Article continues below Among the graduates who also comprised nationals from Saudi Arabia, Iran and India, three were sponsored by Dubai Health Authority and two by the Ministry of Health. The event was held under the patronage of Chairperson of Dubai Healthcare City Authority, Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Qadi Al Murooshid, Director General of Dubai Health Authority (DHA), attended the graduation ceremony along with Dr Steven Morgano, chief executive officer and chief academic officer of BUIDRE, Dubai, and other faculty members from Boston University. \"I am delighted to be here amongst these young achievers. This ceremony reflects our leader\'s vision. It is also indicative of the importance of education and self-development, which are crucial pillars of creativity and contribute to shaping a brighter future that we all aspire for,\" Al Murooshid, said. ‘Excellent education\' Dr Jeffrey W. Hutter, Dean and Spencer N. Frankl Professor in Dental Medicine at Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston University, said: \"It is a privilege to be part of the first BUIDRE graduation ceremony and my heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class of 2011. This graduation is a reflection of the partnership between Boston University and Dubai Healthcare City in our mission to provide excellent education to dental professionals. We are proud of our graduates and confident of their ability to contribute to the overall health care of Dubai, the UAE and the region.\" The institute also holds a variety of awareness programmes to educate members of the community on the importance of oral and dental health.