Since 2014, the MC-Tanzania Dental Therapist Outreach Training Program has played a key role in improving oral health care for underserved communities in Tanzania. It began in the Mbeya region and expanded to the Tanga region in 2016.
In the last four years, the program focused on providing hands-on training for final-year dental therapist students while delivering essential oral health services to primary school children, particularly those with disabilities, in both the Tanga and Mbeya regions. The program’s primary objectives include preventive care, health education, and the training of future dental professionals, all contributing to improving community dentistry for vulnerable groups.
In this piece, we’ll highlight six key program achievements and share two personal testimonials from youth beneficiaries.
Training of Dental Therapist Students
Each year, the program trains final-year dental therapy students, providing both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in critical dental areas such as Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART), Behavior Management in Pediatric Care, and School Dental Services. These students gain the necessary skills and confidence to serve as future leaders in community-based dental care.
Preventive and Curative Care
The program has made a significant impact during 2021-2024 by providing both preventive and curative care, including:
• Oral health education reaching 25,647 individuals, primarily primary school children, teachers, and parents
• Conducting 13,172 free dental screenings to detect early signs of dental issues
• Referring 4,591 primary school students for free dental treatment based on their screening results
• Successfully providing free dental treatment to 2,813 students, addressing both immediate needs and long-term dental health
Enhanced Oral Health Awareness
Through various outreach activities, the program has significantly raised oral health awareness. Educational sessions have highlighted the importance of oral hygiene, disease prevention, and regular dental checkups, fostering healthier habits and promoting long-term well-being within the community.
Support for Marginalized Groups
A key achievement of the program has been its focus on reaching marginalized groups, particularly children with disabilities. These groups often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. The program has successfully addressed these challenges by providing tailored dental care and support to 627 individuals.
Effective Partnerships and Collaboration
MC-Tanzania’s success has been driven by strong partnerships with local schools, healthcare providers, and various donors. These collaborations have enabled the program to reach a broad audience and deliver both training and dental services effectively.
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
The program has strengthened the sustainability of community dentistry by ensuring that dental therapy students are well-prepared to continue outreach efforts after their training. This commitment to sustainability guarantees that the program’s impact will endure for years to come.
Featuring Testimonials from Youth Beneficiaries
Bakari Mabundo, a 24-year-old dental therapist, earned his diploma from Tanga College of Health and Allied Sciences and is now employed by the government in the Shinyanga region.
“Participating in the dental outreach program has been a transformative experience that greatly enhanced my knowledge and skills in community health. This experience opened the door for me to join the Community Health Fellowship Program under MC-Tanzania, in partnership with FPH. This program not only expanded my understanding of dental care but also had a positive impact on both my academic life and my community after graduation.”
A particularly memorable moment for him was the firsthand observation of the differences between permanent and deciduous teeth, which deepened his appreciation for oral health.
“Through this outreach, I gained valuable hands-on experience by diagnosing various dental issues affecting schoolchildren.”
Additionally, Charity Anyimile Nsemwa, a 22-year-old from Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, currently participating in the program, describes it as a transformative experience.
“This program not only gave me the platform to serve but also helped me discover a profound purpose to be a voice and a vessel for change in my community. The opportunity to visit schools, interact with diverse groups, and witness first-hand the impact of health education has taught me that real change begins at the grassroots level. I met children with special needs each with their unique challenges and stories.”
Charity adds that this journey instilled in her a passion for service that extends beyond her profession.
“It has deeply shaped my approach to community health programs, and taught me that health education isn’t just about sharing knowledge, it’s about meeting people where they are, respecting their beliefs, and working together to find solutions that honor their way of life while improving their health.”
The MC-Tanzania Dental Therapy Outreach Training Program has made remarkable progress in advancing oral health care across Tanzania. By training future dental professionals, providing essential dental services, and promoting oral health education, the program is creating a lasting impact, especially in vulnerable and underserved communities.
With continuous adaptation and strong community partnerships, the program plays a crucial role in Tanzania’s efforts to improve oral health care nationwide.
