BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
More than 700 residents in Victoria Falls have received free dental care following a three-day outreach programme held at Mkhosana Clinic.
The initiative, led by global charity SmileStar in partnership with CIMAS, saw 705 patients treated between 9 and 11 March. The programme builds on previous outreach efforts in the region and is expanding this year to include Matobo.
A team of 16 volunteer dental professionals—many from Dentex—provided urgent treatment, pain relief, and oral health education, while also sharing skills with local healthcare workers.
Team leader Dr Mitesh Badiani said tooth decay linked to high sugar consumption, particularly among children, was the most common issue encountered.
“Many of these dental problems are preventable, and education plays a key role in helping to avoid such problems in the future,” he said.
The outreach received support from Africa Albida Tourism, with the team hosted at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
Africa Albida Tourism managing director Nigel Frost said the initiative would have lasting benefits for the community.
“This initiative provides vital dental care and education that will continue to benefit the residents of Victoria Falls long after the clinics have ended,” he said.
Mark Cockburn added that the programme highlighted the impact of volunteerism in addressing healthcare gaps.
Following the Victoria Falls outreach, SmileStar continued its programme in Hwange, before moving to Matobo today and tomorrow at Ethandweni Children’s Home, with a target of treating more than 1 000 patients across the three regions.
