Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), through its School of Dentistry, brought essential dental services and oral health education to Tsitsing Village in Rustenburg during a two-day community outreach initiative on 8 and 9 October 2026. In partnership with the Office of Kgosana Dr Koketso Rakhudu Goodwill, the initiative expanded access to oral healthcare and gave students practical, community-based learning experiences.
Held at Kgotla ya Rakhudu, the office of Kgosana, the outreach focused on preventive care, oral health awareness and collaboration between the University and traditional leadership. Residents received oral screenings, dental restorations, extractions, and fluoride treatments, along with guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene, preventing dental problems, and seeking professional care when needed.
Kgosana Dr Koketso Rakhudu Goodwill, the traditional leader of Tsitsing in the Royal Bafokeng Nation, said the initiative aligned with his commitment to bringing essential services closer to residents. The partnership gave the community a platform to access dental services in a familiar setting and engage directly with healthcare professionals and students.
Dr Phenyo Matebesi, a practising dentist, SMU alumnus and manager of Matebesi Dental Services in Rustenburg, emphasised the importance of connecting university training with community needs. He said health sciences institutions had a responsibility to extend their contribution beyond the university environment and prepare graduates to serve society effectively.
“Our responsibility as a health sciences institution extends beyond the boundaries of the University. Through initiatives such as this, we have an opportunity to work alongside communities, promote health and provide our students with meaningful learning experiences that develop their professional competence, social awareness and sense of responsibility,” said Matebesi.
The outreach also enabled students to apply their academic knowledge and clinical skills in a community setting. By interacting directly with residents, they gained insight into local oral health needs and the barriers that can affect access to dental services. The experience reinforced the importance of patient-centred care, early intervention and preventive approaches in improving oral health outcomes.
Dr Grace Phalwane, a lecturer and dentist in the School of Dentistry’s Department of Community Dentistry, highlighted the educational value of community engagement. She said outreach initiatives allow students to put their training into practice, understand the needs of the communities they serve and recognise their responsibilities as future healthcare professionals. Such experiences strengthen the link between theoretical learning, clinical practice and social accountability.
The collaboration demonstrated how partnerships between academic institutions and traditional leadership can help address community health priorities. By hosting the programme at Kgotla ya Rakhudu, the partners created an accessible space for dental treatment, health education and engagement with residents.
For SMU, the initiative reflects its commitment to excellence in health sciences education and to developing competent, compassionate, and socially accountable healthcare professionals. Through community-based learning and partnerships that respond to local needs, the University continues to connect teaching and learning with service delivery, contributing to improved oral health awareness and healthier communities.
By Dimakatso Modise
