By Staff Reporter
In a successful partnership aimed at improving oral healthcare access for underserved communities, Smilestar, a UK-based charity dental organization, joined forces with Cimas Health Group, Zimbabwe’s longest-established private medical aid society. Together, they conducted a two-week dental outreach program in Matabeleland North, offering essential services to remote populations.
The outreach, which concluded on March 20, focused on providing free dental treatments to residents of remote areas, where access to dental care is often limited. Cimas Health Group played a pivotal role by offering a fully equipped mobile dental clinic, which allowed for the delivery of high-quality care in locations where traditional dental facilities are not available. This mobile clinic provided the same level of service that one would expect from a high-end dental practice.
A Collaborative Effort
The outreach kicked off on March 10 at Chinotimba Clinic in Victoria Falls, where Smilestar and Cimas Health Group’s medical team treated patients for four days. Following this, from March 17 to 20, the team traveled to Hwange, operating out of Hwange Miombo Safari Camp in Dete.
Dr. Mitesh Badiani, the founder of Smilestar, emphasized the importance of the collaboration with Cimas Health Group in achieving the outreach’s success. “Cimas Health Group’s support—especially the provision of their mobile dental clinic and expert doctors—was instrumental in our ability to deliver comprehensive dental care. This partnership allowed us to offer more treatment options to the local communities, significantly enhancing the quality of care we could provide,” said Dr. Badiani.
The Smilestar and Cimas Health Group team, assisted by Dr. Blanch from Victoria Falls, offered a variety of dental services, including restorative treatments, periodontal care, and simple endodontic procedures. These services were provided in a single-visit setup, making dental care more accessible for the residents of the area.
The Role of Volunteers
Dr. Badiani also highlighted the critical role of volunteers in making this outreach possible. “Smilestar relies entirely on volunteer dentists who fund their own travel and accommodation costs to participate in these outreach programs. For this particular mission, our volunteers committed up to two weeks of their time and resources to ensure its success,” he said.
Reflecting on the outreach’s impact, Dr. Badiani noted that many of the dental issues observed were preventable, underscoring the need for better education on oral hygiene and nutrition, particularly in schools. He also pointed out the significant challenge of affordability, noting that a single tooth extraction can cost nearly US$80—an amount beyond the means of many residents in the province.
Expanding Outreach Efforts
Looking forward, Dr. Badiani expressed a strong desire to expand Smilestar’s outreach programs to other regions in Zimbabwe. However, he stressed the importance of establishing strong partnerships to facilitate such expansion. “We would love to expand, but to do so, we need support from local partners who can provide accommodation, food, and transport for our teams,” he explained.
Dr. Badiani also spoke about his personal commitment to serving underprivileged communities, particularly in Africa, which he described as his “second home.” “I was born in Kenya and raised in the UK, and it has always been a family value to help those who are underserved. Smilestar’s outreach program has now reached 11 countries, with Zimbabwe being the 34th outreach event,” he said.
Cimas Health Group’s Commitment to Healthcare Access
Cimas Health Group’s CEO, Mr. Vuli Ndlovu, praised the partnership, saying, “This outreach aligns perfectly with Cimas Health Group’s mission to inspire healthier communities. We are proud to have worked with Smilestar and local partners such as Chinotimba Clinic and Victoria Falls Safari Lodge to provide vital dental services to areas with limited access to healthcare.”
Mr. Ndlovu emphasized that Cimas Health Group is committed to improving healthcare access, particularly in remote regions. “By providing our mobile clinic and dental professionals at no cost, we are ensuring that high-quality dental care reaches the most underserved communities in Zimbabwe. This outreach is not only about treating dental issues but also about educating communities on the importance of oral health,” he said.
Cimas Health Group also fully supports government initiatives related to oral healthcare. On March 20, they participated in the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s World Oral Health Day celebrations at Kusile Government Primary School in Lupane District, Matabeleland North.
Looking Ahead
