Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has long been a cornerstone of social and economic development, fostering impactful relationships with communities to drive socio-economic progress. Through its commitment to community-based teaching, learning, and research, SMU ensures that students graduate as engaged citizens ready to address real-world challenges. The university’s reciprocal approach to community engagement benefits both students and the broader society, reinforcing its mission to integrate academic excellence with social impact.
Demonstrating this commitment, SMU has recognised Emma Musekene with the prestigious Best Community Engagement Award at the 2024 Vice-Chancellor Excellence Awards. This accolade acknowledges her dedication to bridging the gap between dental education and underserved communities, particularly her work with pensioners at Korwe Multi-Purpose Centre in Ga-Rankuwa.
Under Musekene’s leadership, Bachelor of Dental Therapy and Bachelor of Oral Hygiene students refine their clinical skills while providing essential oral healthcare services. Approximately 200 pensioners benefit from free oral health screenings, personalised hygiene advice, and demonstrations on proper brushing and flossing techniques. The initiative promotes oral health equity and instils a lifelong commitment to community engagement among future dental professionals.
A seasoned oral hygiene Lecturer, Musekene holds multiple qualifications, including a Bachelor of Oral Hygiene, a Bachelor of Administration, an Honours in Developmental Studies, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, and a Master’s in Public Health. She is currently pursuing a PhD. Her career shift from a Community Development Officer at the Assistant Director level to oral healthcare was driven by the realisation that oral health is a critical yet often neglected aspect of overall well-being.
“With this award, we celebrate the lives we have touched, the smiles we have restored, and the trust we have built with communities,” says Musekene. “It reaffirms our dedication to making oral healthcare accessible and reminds me why I chose this path—to serve, educate, and uplift those often overlooked.”
Beyond clinical work, Musekene leads multiple outreach initiatives, including mobile dental clinics and school programmes, ensuring vulnerable populations receive essential oral healthcare. “Many people suffer in silence, unaware their pain is preventable,” she says. “Our goal is to bring hope and dignity to those neglected by the healthcare system.”
A defining feature of these outreach efforts is their holistic approach to oral healthcare. “We don’t just conduct screenings; we ensure patients receive referrals within the School of Dentistry for continued care,” she explains. “Our work is not just about treatment—it’s about empowerment, education, and restoring confidence.”
The impact of these initiatives aligns with SMU’s broader mission of integrating education with social responsibility. “We measure success not just through statistics but through transformation—the trust we build and the lives we change,” Musekene emphasised.
One particularly moving experience reinforced the importance of her work. “An elderly woman told us she had never owned a toothbrush. The joy on her face when she received one was unforgettable. That moment underscored the immense gaps in oral healthcare and the power of small gestures.”
Musekene’s initiatives also provide students with invaluable hands-on learning experiences, immersing them in real-world challenges while fostering empathy and compassion. “Our students do not just learn—they experience. They witness firsthand the human impact of their future profession. Faculty members guide them, ensuring they refine their skills while developing a deep commitment to service.”
She strongly advocates for embedding community engagement within academic programmes, urging institutions to see it not just as an academic requirement but as a moral responsibility. “True education extends beyond the classroom. It is about using our knowledge to uplift others. Every institution should integrate community engagement to produce professionals who serve with both knowledge and heart.”
Receiving the Best Community Engagement Award marks a milestone, but for Musekene, it is just the beginning. “This award is for the communities we serve, my students, and the faculty members who guide them,” she reflects. “It reminds us that what we do matters and fuels my dream of a world where preventable oral health issues no longer go unnoticed.”
Her motto, “Your Smile, Our Concern,” encapsulates her unwavering commitment to transforming lives—one smile at a time. As SMU deepens its dedication to community engagement, its impact will resonate for generations, shaping a future where knowledge, compassion, and social responsibility drive meaningful change.
By Tumelo Moila
