School of Dentistry
About School of Dentistry
In 1975, the then Department of Health and Welfare, having recognised the need for dental therapists, decided to make facilities for their training available at the Ga Rankuwa Hospital. During 1980 the first Dean of the Faculty, Prof L T Tariaard was appointed on a part time basis. The building of the dental’ complex started in 1984. The hospital accommodates all the required clinical facilities and was officially inaugurated towards the end of 1987. 234 Dental surgeries are available in the hospital for clinical utilization and a full spectrum of service laboratories is housed in the complex. The hospital, with its own three surgical theatres, is equipped to treat approximately 600 patients per day. In July 1989 control of the hospital was transferred from the Department of National Health and Population Development to the then Transvaal Provincial Administration and subsequently to the Gauteng Provincial Government.
Dean’s Message
The School of Dentistry strives towards excellence in the teaching of the science and art of Dentistry, excellence in providing for the oral health needs of the community, as well as excellence in community oriented research. We care, and because we care, we respond to the various challenges with all the vigour and expertise we can muster. We care about people. It is our task and responsibility to alleviate pain and to restore the stomatognathic system in order to improve the quality of life of all the citizens of South Africa. The students and teaching staff should form a strong team. We should work together closely, as that will be the best way to teach dentistry. In addition, we not only want our Students to pass their examinations successfully but also to be life-long learners. The challenges posed by the expected increase in oral health needs and demographic changes of the Southern African populations within the next decade offers many challenges for future oral health professionals.
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This School therefore is pro-actively undertaking research into the broader issues at stake and the dynamics involved, searching for effective solutions to future problems within the Southern African oral health care delivery systems. The School’s mission statement appears in this calendar. This is what we strive to attain. This is what you, the Student can expect from us. You will be at home at the Campus if this statement constantly speaks to you.
Accentuating the positive, respecting the individual, and empowering our dedicated School to provide the best possible learning environment for every dental Student are among our primary goals. This Dental School is committed to excellence in education, research, and service and to respond to Students’ needs in their pursuit of knowledge and skills.
All teaching staff chose dentistry as a career after considering alternatives. We are proud that we have done so and certainly hope you will enjoy your stay.
Contact Us
Office of the Dean: School of Dentistry
Dean: Prof D Mawela (Acting)
Contact Number:
(012) 521 4800/5767
Office Email: dean.oralhealthsciences@smu.ac.za
Department Secretary
Winile Mambana
winile.mambana@smu.ac.za
Office Email:
secretary.oralhealth@smu.ac.za
Clinical Manager:
Dr Matjila SA, BDT (Medunsa), BDS (Medunsa), Dip Odont (Endo) (UP), MBL (Unisa)
Senior Administrative Officer:
Fouché HM (Mrs), NHCPS (Pret Tech)
Contact Details
School of Dentistry
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
PO Box D12
Medunsa
0204
Tel:
(012) 521 4801/4800/4802
Fax:
(012) 521 4102