For Abigayle Edgar, graduating with First Class Honours from the Doctor of Medical Dentistry programme at the University of Technology, Jamaica, and being named one of three valedictorians for the graduating class of 2025, feels like “the final mould in the clay” of fulfilling her career goal of becoming “a well-rounded” dental practitioner.

She will mark this academic milestone on Saturday, January 31, 2026, when she graduates from the Joint Colleges of Medicine, Oral Health and Veterinary Sciences.

Abigayle shared that she has always envisioned a healthcare career, initially aspiring to become a paediatrician. That vision shifted during the latter part of her sixth-form years, when she became fascinated with dentistry. “I was drawn to dentistry because of its profoundly patient-centred nature, which would allow me to build meaningful connections and see the immediate impact of my work,” she explained. In addition, the profession, she said, also allows for a healthier work-life balance. 

Pivoting for Success 

Reflecting on the arduous process leading up to her present jubilation, Abigayle stated that starting university during the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges. She had great difficulty focusing during online classes and the commute from Old Harbour, St Catherine to Kingston for some face-to-face classes was physically and mentally taxing.

“The long commute often meant that I had less time during the weekdays to dedicate to studying…When I received unfavourable grades, I realised that I needed to pivot, become accountable for my own learning and develop a level of organisation and self-discipline that would guarantee laser focus towards my studies,” she shared. 

In pivoting, she saw improved results from dedicating her weekends to most of her academic assignments and revisions. Her renewed approach yielded notable rewards, including excellent grades and two academic scholarships. The scholarships were a two-fold success for Abigayle. The awards reduced the financial burden for her mother while alleviating the feeling of rejection that Abigayle endured from previous unsuccessful attempts to secure them. 

“Although my mother didn’t express it, I knew she could benefit from assistance. Being one of the recipients of the UTech 60th Anniversary Scholarship facilitated a smoother transition. As I approached the finish line, I received the Dr Barry Wint Memorial Scholarship and was in a better position to complete my studies,” she stated.  

While she is grateful for the knowledge she has attained through her studies, Abigayle Edgar equally embraces the experiences she gained through dental outreach initiatives organized by the College of Oral Health Sciences.  These initiatives allowed her to serve individuals with limited access to dental care. The meaningful interactions she had during these outreach activities also strengthened her sense of altruism and reinforced her commitment to completing her studies. 

“Knowing that I was restoring not just oral health, but a person’s comfort and confidence is one of the greatest rewards a student clinician can receive,” Edgard noted. 

In addition to her service engagements, Abigayle treasures the moment in one of her most challenging semesters when she delivered her final complete denture. All the difficulties she faced during her studies were eclipsed the moment she inserted the denture and witnessed her patient’s immediate joy. The experience, she said, was profoundly rewarding and affirmed the impact of her work on restoring not only oral function, but dignity and confidence. 

A Strong Support System 

At the heart of Abigayle’s success is a strong support system, led by her mother, whom she describes as her greatest cheerleader. “Even in moments of self-doubt, my mother was always there to remind me that I am destined for greatness.” She also credits her lecturers from the College of Oral Health Sciences for their unwavering guidance and high expectations. “The College of Oral Health Sciences is staffed with dedicated academic, administrative, and ancillary teams committed to supporting you throughout your studies,” she stated. “Lecturers such as Dr Mark Edwards, Dr Denise Brady, Dr Nicola Charlton James, Dr Jerren Chambers, and Dr Meleka Daley emphasised the importance of producing quality work. My success is truly a reflection of the confidence and efforts poured into me by my lecturers, dean, and programme director,” shared Abigayle. 

Looking Forward

Having completed her licensing exam in November 2025, Abigayle Edgar hopes to transition into a Dental Surgeon role within the public health sector—path she believes will enable her to give back to her childhood community. She advises aspiring dental students to be clear about their future ambitions, focus and aim to make a positive impact.  “We don’t just graduate with degrees…we graduate with confidence, competence, and the ability to make an immediate difference,” she said.