In a powerful display of compassion and collaboration, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and the Kids Dental Home Foundation (KDHF) have once again joined forces to transform young lives—one smile at a time. Their 4th Annual Free Dental Surgeries Programme, held on 16 October 2025 at Kilnerpark Day Hospital in Pretoria, delivered life-changing dental care to children who would otherwise have gone without treatment.
Since the launch of the Saving Smiles in Africa initiative in 2022, the partnership has provided 41 free dental surgeries, targeting children suffering from Early Childhood Caries (ECC)—an aggressive dental condition that disproportionately affects those in underserved communities. SMU Oral Health Centre (SMUOHC) and School of Dentistry became an official partner in 2023, contributing clinical expertise, dental students, and a shared commitment to equitable healthcare.
This year’s programme saw seven children receive comprehensive dental surgeries, six of whom were referred directly from the SMUOHC waiting list. Under the supervision of volunteer dentists, clinicians, and final-year dental students, each child received treatment tailored to their needs—from restorative procedures to complex extractions. Every surgery was successful, with post-operative support ensuring that no child was left behind.
“This partnership is proof that when compassion meets collaboration, real change happens,” said Dr Londiwe Sibisi-Maboye, Founder and Director of KDHF and an SMU alumna.
The cumulative impact of the initiative is remarkable. To date, fifteen children from the SMUOHC waiting list have received long-awaited surgical care, reducing the backlog of urgent paediatric dental cases. The total value of these interventions—based on standard treatment costs under general anaesthesia—has reached over R500,000, with this year’s surgeries alone valued at an estimated R250,000. Most importantly, the programme has maintained a 100% success rate since its inception.
Beyond clinical outcomes, the collaboration is nurturing the next generation of dental professionals. SMU students gain invaluable hands-on experience while witnessing the tangible impact of their skills—deepening their understanding of service, empathy, and professional excellence.
To build on this success, several forward-looking steps are being considered:
- Formalising the partnership through an annual Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
- Securing joint funding via grants and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
- Enhancing student involvement through elective or community rotation opportunities.
- Advancing research collaboration using ECC data for publication and innovation.
- Boosting visibility through strategic media and academic engagement.
These measures aim to ensure the programme’s sustainability and expand its reach, paving the way towards its ambitious 10-year goal of performing 1,000 free dental surgeries for children in need across South Africa.
The KDHF extended heartfelt gratitude to SMU and the SMU OHC for their unwavering support and leadership in the fight against childhood dental disease.
“Together, we are restoring not only smiles, but confidence and dignity,” Dr Sibisi-Maboye said. “Our mission is simple: every child deserves the gift of a healthy smile—no matter where they come from.”
Adding to this, Dr Ntsakisi Mukhari-Baloyi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the SMU Oral Health Centre, commended the collaboration’s transformative impact:
“At SMU OHC, we believe that access to quality oral healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. This partnership with KDHF exemplifies our commitment to reaching children who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Each restored smile represents a step towards a healthier, more equitable society.”
By Tumelo Moila
