Dr. Tavia Dawson Appointed to the Medical
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has announced the appointment of Dr. Tavia Dawson as a member of the Medical and Dental Council for the three-year term from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2029. The Government highlighted her specialist experience, public‑service background and recent leadership of the BVI Dental Association as key strengths she brings to the regulatory body.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Government of the Virgin Islands have announced the appointment of Dr. Tavia Dawson to the Medical and Dental Council for the period 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2029, according to a Government press release. Dawson is the managing orthodontist and founder of BVI Orthodontics and brings more than 15 years of specialist experience in orthodontics across both public and private practice in the Virgin Islands.
The Ministry’s announcement notes her sustained commitment to advancing dental and orthodontic services in the Territory. Dawson played a central role in public specialist care. From 2007 to 2012 she oversaw the Orthodontic Unit at the BVI Health Services Authority, where she helped strengthen delivery of specialist orthodontic services within the public health system, the press release said.
Her professional leadership has extended across the wider dental community. Dawson served as President of the BVI Dental Association from 2020 to 2023, a role in which she advocated for dental professionals territory‑wide and worked on standards and professional development initiatives, the Ministry statement added.
Dawson’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from Howard University, followed by a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics from Tufts University, giving her advanced specialist training in orthodontic care. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, welcomed the appointment in the Government release, saying, "Dr.
Dawson’s extensive experience, professional leadership, and dedication to high standards of care will be a valuable asset to the Medical and Dental Council. Her appointment underscores the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring excellence in healthcare delivery." The Ministry said the appointment aligns with its ongoing efforts to improve the health and social well‑being of the people of the Virgin Islands.
Dawson’s presence on the Council bolsters the number of clinically experienced specialists involved in overseeing licensing, professional standards and complaints procedures for medical and dental practitioners. Her background in both public service at the BVI Health Services Authority and in private practice positions her to bring practical insights into workforce needs, specialist service delivery and quality assurance — areas that can affect access to care and the standard of dental services across the Territory.
The Ministry’s press release, issued by the Government of the Virgin Islands, included contact information for media and public enquiries. The Ministry encourages the public and health‑sector stakeholders to engage with the Medical and Dental Council as it carries out its regulatory and advisory functions during Dr.
Dawson’s term from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2029.
Primary source: BVI Government