Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has reinforced its commitment to community health and preventive care by actively participating in World Oral Health Day (WOHD) 2026, using the global platform to drive awareness, education and meaningful community engagement across Ga-Rankuwa.
Observed annually on 20 March and led by the FDI World Dental Federation, WOHD highlights the importance of oral hygiene in overall well-being. This year’s theme, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life”, marks the culmination of a three-year global campaign focused on promoting lifelong oral health from early childhood through to older age.
At SMU’s School of Dentistry, students from the Departments of Community Dentistry, Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene translated this message into action through targeted outreach initiatives. Their efforts were designed not only to educate but to empower communities with practical knowledge and tools to improve daily oral hygiene practices.
The outreach began at Itireleng Residential Care Facility for the Disabled, a Gauteng Department of Social Development institution that provides residential care and skills development for individuals with physical and visual disabilities. Despite resource challenges, the facility continues to offer vital support services, making it a meaningful site for engagement.
Students delivered oral health education sessions, demonstrated proper brushing techniques and distributed dental care kits to residents. The interaction created an environment of learning, care and confidence, as beneficiaries engaged directly with future healthcare professionals.
Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, Dr Nokukhanya Makwakwa emphasised the broader impact of oral health. “It is possible to maintain a healthy mouth throughout your lifetime, and this contributes directly to overall well-being and quality of life,” she said. “Oral health goes beyond teeth—it influences confidence, social interaction and general health.”
For students, the experience provided both practical training and personal growth. Zinhle Phiri, a third-year Bachelor of Oral Hygiene student, described the experience as transformative. “At first, everything felt overwhelming, but as we engaged with patients, it became more natural,” she said. “Seeing their smiles and knowing we made a difference gave me confidence in my abilities.”
Similarly, Lethabo Madiba, a third-year Bachelor of Dental Therapy student, highlighted the value of hands-on learning. “This experience taught me so much about patient care in real-life settings,” he said. “It is the kind of learning that stays with you throughout your career.”
The outreach extended to Boikanyo Primary School, where students engaged young learners through interactive oral health education sessions. Pupils received dental kits and participated in demonstrations designed to instil healthy habits from an early age. The initiative reinforced the message that prevention begins with education and consistency.
Beyond community visits, the campaign included radio interviews, campus activations and social media awareness drives, amplifying the reach of the message and ensuring that oral health education extended beyond physical engagements.
Adding a student leadership perspective, Ace Junior Netshipale, Chairperson of the Dental Student Council, reflected on the importance of community interaction. “I was initially nervous about engaging in oral health advocacy, but the response from the community was incredibly encouraging,’ he said. ‘It became clear how many people lack basic knowledge about oral hygiene, and that motivated me to do more.”
Dr Makwakwa reinforced the long-term vision of the initiative. “Prevention is key,” she said. “By educating communities and promoting healthy habits, we are building a culture where oral health is prioritised and understood as essential to a happy and healthy life.”
Through these initiatives, SMU continues to demonstrate its role as a university that combines academic excellence with social responsibility. The School of Dentistry’s active participation in World Oral Health Day reflects a broader commitment to producing skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals who are equipped to serve communities effectively.
As the 2026 campaign theme suggests, a healthy mouth is central to overall well-being. By taking knowledge beyond the classroom and into communities, SMU is not only promoting oral health but also shaping a future where prevention, education and care work together to improve lives across South Africa and beyond.
By Dimakatso Modise
