Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is rewriting the narrative in South Africa’s dental care arena. With unwavering determination, SMU’s Department of Community Dentistry is spearheading an outreach revolution that not only transforms oral healthcare but also uplifts underserved communities.
In an era where social transformation is paramount, SMU’s innovative Service Learning Programme is a beacon of hope. Fourth-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Oral Hygiene, and Bachelor of Dental Theory students have embarked on impactful missions, travelling to places such as Inkululeko Day Care, Salvokop Community Centre, and the Mercy Dental Clinic in Winterveld. Their efforts focus on delivering essential dental treatments—from preventative care and restorations to minor oral surgeries—all aimed at reducing the scourge of oral disease and promoting better hygiene.
The programme, generously sponsored by Haloen, sees students dedicating their time four days a week, attending to roughly 240 patients every month. This hands-on initiative is not just about clinical practice; it is a rigorous academic and civic training ground where theory meets tangible community service. Prior to their placements, students undergo an intensive two-week block that immerses them in the ethos of “Look, Listen and Learn”, equipping them with the tools to engage meaningfully with the communities they serve.
Fourth-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery student, Uzwothe Mudau, recounted her first day at Mercy Dental Clinic as a transformative experience. “On the 11th of February, I had the privilege of managing a day at the clinic. It was eye-opening to see how many patients had never even experienced dental care before,” she explains, underscoring the vital role the programme plays in bridging gaps in awareness and access.
Lecturer and Dentist Dr Regan Lesolang emphasises the critical need for such outreach. “Many patients suffer from advanced dental decay and periodontal disease. By offering essential services and referring complex cases to the SMU Dental Hospital, we are making a real difference,” he states. Meanwhile, Specialist Dr Nokukhanya Makwakwa highlights the programme’s dual focus on education and empathy, especially in alleviating dental anxiety among children through non-pharmacological management and comprehensive oral health talks.
Despite challenges—ranging from resource constraints and intermittent utilities to equipment maintenance—the Department of Community Dentistry remains resolute. Their pioneering approach not only improves access to quality oral healthcare but also instils in students a profound sense of civic responsibility and critical thinking, seamlessly linking academic theory with practical impact.
SMU’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and community service continues to shine. By relentlessly pushing boundaries, the Department of Community Dentistry is not merely serving communities—it is transforming lives, one smile at a time.
By Khanyi Nkosi
