In a groundbreaking collaboration, Cimas Health Group, Zimbabwe’s longest-established private medical aid society, and Smilestar, a United Kingdom-based dental charity, have successfully concluded a two-week dental outreach program in Matabeleland North province. The initiative, which ended yesterday, aimed to provide free oral healthcare services to remote and underserved communities in the region.
The partnership saw Smilestar’s founder, Dr. Mitesh Badiani, and his team of volunteer dentists join forces with Cimas Health Group’s dental unit, led by Dr. Alan Gura, to deliver essential dental care. Cimas Health Group provided a fully equipped mobile dental clinic, enabling the team to offer high-quality treatments comparable to those available in a high-end dental facility.
The mobile clinic, a key component of the outreach, allowed the medical team to perform restorative work, periodontal treatments, and simpler endodontic procedures, all completed in a single visit. This level of care was previously unavailable in such remote areas, where access to dental services is often limited or unaffordable.
Dr. Badiani praised the partnership, stating, “Cimas Health Group’s support, including the provision of their doctor, nurse, and mobile dental clinic, significantly enhanced our ability to deliver quality care with more treatment options for the local population. This setup allowed us to offer much better services than in previous outreach programs.”
The outreach program began on March 10 at Chinotimba Clinic in Victoria Falls, where the team treated patients for four days. The team then moved to Hwange, stationed at Hwange Miombo Safari Camp in Dete, from March 17 to March 20, providing free dental services to the local community.
Dr. Badiani highlighted that many of the dental issues observed during the outreach were preventable, underscoring the need for oral hygiene and dietary education in schools. He also pointed out that affordability remains a significant barrier to dental healthcare in the region, with a single tooth extraction costing nearly US$80—a price beyond the reach of most residents.
“Limited access and affordability are major barriers to dental healthcare in this province,” Dr. Badiani noted. “We hope that initiatives like this will not only provide immediate relief but also raise awareness about the importance of oral health.”
Dr. Badiani expressed his desire to expand Smilestar’s outreach programs to other regions in Zimbabwe but emphasized the need for strong partnerships to make this possible. “We would love to expand, but we require support from partners who can provide free accommodation, food, and transport for our team,” he said.
He also acknowledged the vital role of volunteers in sustaining Smilestar’s initiatives. “Our volunteers self-fund their trips and generously commit their time and resources to ensure the success of these programs. Their dedication is truly inspiring.”
Cimas Health Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Vuli Ndlovu, reiterated the organization’s commitment to improving health outcomes and fostering healthier futures for all. “Partnering with Smilestar and providing our fully equipped mobile clinic for free is a testament to our commitment to extending essential medical services to underserved areas,” he said.
Mr. Ndlovu emphasized that access to healthcare, including oral health, is a fundamental right. “Through this outreach, we not only provided immediate dental treatment but also educated and empowered communities with sustainable oral health knowledge that will benefit them for years to come.”
In a related development, Cimas Health Group officials joined the Ministry of Health and Childcare in commemorating World Oral Health Day at Kusile Government Primary School in Lupane District, Matabeleland North province. The event underscored the importance of oral health education and the need for collaborative efforts to improve access to dental care across the country.
Dr. Badiani, who was born in Kenya and raised in the UK, shared that his passion for serving underprivileged communities has been the driving force behind Smilestar’s global outreach initiatives. “My heart belongs to Africa, and I spend 95% of my time here,” he said. “This outreach marks our 11th country and 34th event, and we are committed to continuing this work.”
The successful partnership between Cimas Health Group and Smilestar has set a new standard for dental outreach programs, demonstrating the power of collaboration in addressing healthcare disparities and improving the lives of underserved communities.