Medical experts have warned that excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks is a major cause of dental problems, particularly among children, following a free dental outreach programme conducted in Victoria Falls.
The programme is being hosted by Cimas Health Group through its dental unit in partnership with United Kingdom-based dental organisation SmileStar, as well as local partners, including Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Hwange Safari Lodge and the Amalinda Collection.
The two-week programme marks the second edition of the free dental outreach initiative targeting underserved communities in Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces.
According to organisers, the outreach has expanded this year to include Matabeleland South following overwhelming requests from communities in the province.
The outreach programme started from Monday and ended to Wednesday in Victoria Falls, where volunteer dentists provided free treatment and oral health education to hundreds of residents.
Mitesh Badiani, who is leading the programme, said excessive sugar consumption was one of the leading causes of dental problems treated during the clinics.
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“The effects of sugar were one of the most common problems we treated,” Badiani said.
“Many of these dental problems are preventable, and education plays a key role in helping to avoid such problems in the future.”
Badiani also expressed gratitude to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for hosting the medical team during their stay in the resort town.
The dental team continued the outreach from Friday and yesterday in Hwange at Miombo Safari Camp before moving to Matobo district in Matabeleland South from tomorrow and Tuesday at Ethandweni Children’s Home.
The programme will conclude from Wednesday and Thursday at Matopo Mission Clinic.
Cimas Health Group’s dental unit lead Alan Gura said the initiative forms part of the organisation’s corporate social responsibility programme, which aims to improve access to oral healthcare in marginalised communities.
“This initiative is part of our efforts to provide free oral healthcare services to underserved communities in line with our purpose of inspiring healthier communities,” Gura said.
Nigel Frost, managing director of Africa Albida Tourism, said the organisation was proud to support initiatives that bring essential health services to local communities.
“We are proud to partner with SmileStar and Cimas to help bring these clinics to our communities,” Frost said.
“This initiative provides vital dental care and education that will continue to benefit the residents of Victoria Falls long after the clinics have ended.”
Also supporting the outreach is Mark Cockburn of Dentex, who said the initiative demonstrates how medical professionals can use their expertise to positively impact communities.
“Dentex is honoured to support SmileStar in this year’s outreach. Our team members are passionate about using their skills to make a positive impact, and it’s inspiring to see such results from the Victoria Falls clinics,” Cockburn said.
Organisers said the outreach programme aims to treat more than 1 000 patients across the region while also raising awareness about oral hygiene and the dangers of excessive sugar consumption.