At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), academic ambition meets an unwavering commitment to excellence. SMU’s enabling environment has long been the springboard for talent, and few stories illustrate this better than that of Dr Yuvthi Rampersadh. Her trailblazing journey in orthodontics—marked by grit, dedication, and passion—is exemplary of SMU’s calibre of dental specialists.
Dr Rampersadh’s academic odyssey began at the University of Pretoria, where she laid the foundations of her dental career and exploring the nuances of Aesthetic Dentistry. She then further honed her skills at the University of the Western Cape, completing a master’s thesis in Orthodontics and earning a diploma in Interceptive Orthodontics. Yet, it was at SMU where her dream of becoming a specialist orthodontist was brought to life. “SMU provided me with a challenging yet rewarding environment that fostered my growth into an orthodontist,” she recalls, underscoring the rigour and support that shaped her professional journey.
Joining the SMU Oral Health Sciences Department as a Registrar in Orthodontics in 2020, Rampersadh quickly became known for her resilience and commitment. One pivotal moment remains etched in her memory: the fateful call on 20 December 2019, offering her the chance to specialise—a call that set her on a path to transform not just smiles but lives. At SMU, she forged lasting bonds with mentors, colleagues, and patients, experiencing first-hand the unique intimacy of orthodontic care, where relationships can span over two years.
Her drive to master the art of symmetry and her willingness to embrace delayed gratification have defined her approach to orthodontics. Yet, balancing a demanding full-time course, clinical responsibilities, and research with the challenges of home life—especially as a new mother —was no small feat. It is here that the SMU community’s steadfast support, alongside her supportive family, played a crucial role in helping her navigate obstacles and emerge stronger.
As she prepares to embark on a new chapter at Hugo Orthodontics as a Specialist Orthodontist, Dr Rampersadh’s career is a testament to perseverance and excellence. Working alongside luminaries such as Dr Andre Hugo and Dr Keitumetse Taunyane, she is poised to further innovate within the field, taking the lessons learned at SMU into the realm of private practice. Yet, her connection to SMU remains unbreakable, with plans to return in a sessional capacity to inspire future generations.
In a landscape where challenges are met with tenacity, SMU continues to stand as an incubator of exceptional talent and global leadership. Dr Rampersadh’s journey is a reminder that with the right environment, passion can indeed transform mere dreams into reality. As SMU proudly celebrates its role in nurturing world-class professionals, its legacy as an enabling environment for breakthrough achievement endures—propelling its alumni to redefine excellence on the international stage.
By Dimakatso Modise
