A commitment to improving access to essential oral healthcare for vulnerable children has brought dental professionals, healthcare institutions and volunteers together for the Kids Dental Home Foundation’s (KDHF) fifth annual Pro Bono Surgical Campaign, taking place from 8 to 12 November 2026 in Pretoria.
Founded in 2022 by Dr Londiwe Sibisi-Maboye, an alumna of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), the registered non-profit organisation was established to address lengthy waiting periods and financial barriers faced by children requiring dental surgery under general anaesthesia.
For many families from low socio-economic backgrounds, the cost of accessing theatre facilities makes essential dental treatment unaffordable, leaving children experiencing pain and complications that affect their everyday lives.
Through its flagship programme, Saving Smiles in Africa™, the foundation provides sponsored dental surgeries, preventive oral health education and sustainable community partnerships to improve access to appropriate dental care.
The fifth annual campaign aims to provide 12 children with free dental surgeries and conduct 200 complimentary dental screenings, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to underserved communities.
The programme includes screening days on 8, 9 and 11 November, followed by surgical procedures on 10 and 12 November. Surgeries are being conducted at Cure Day Medkin Hospital and Kilnerpark Day Hospital, with approximately 25 to 30 volunteers contributing their time, expertise and resources.
Dr Sibisi-Maboye expressed her happiness with the campaign’s progress and her appreciation for the healthcare professionals, partners, and volunteers supporting the initiative. Her dedication to children’s oral healthcare has also earned international recognition, after she became the first African dentist to secure first place in the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Award, sponsored by Colgate.
Among the volunteers supporting the campaign is Dr Thabo Twala, Chairman of the Dental Professionals Association and an SMU alumnus. His participation highlights the importance of professional collaboration in addressing healthcare inequalities.
Twala emphasised the significance of the foundation’s intervention, noting that without such initiatives, many children would remain on hospital waiting lists without access to the surgical treatment they need. His involvement reflects healthcare professionals’ responsibility to extend their expertise beyond conventional clinical practice and contribute to community wellbeing.
The campaign also received support from Dr Mosae Augustinus Phatsoa, Health Ministries Director, who supervises Seventh-day Adventist institutions across five countries. His attendance at Cure Day Medkin Hospital demonstrated broader institutional and community support for improving access to healthcare.
Five children successfully underwent dental surgeries at Cure Day Medkin Hospital on 10 November, marking an important milestone in this year’s campaign.
For the families involved, the procedures represented relief from prolonged discomfort and the opportunity for improved health and quality of life.
One parent, Lucky Nkwana, expressed relief and happiness following his son’s successful surgery. The child had experienced difficulties eating because of his dental condition, making the procedure particularly important to his daily wellbeing.
The foundation’s work highlights the importance of early intervention, preventive education and partnerships in addressing children’s oral health challenges.
For SMU, the achievements of its alumna demonstrate how professional training, leadership and community service can translate into meaningful interventions that improve lives and contribute to the health and wellbeing of communities.
By Dimakatso Modise
