Cimas Health Group, in partnership with UK-based dental charity SmileStar and local organisations, has provided essential dental care to more than 1 100 residents across Matabeleland North and South over the past two weeks.
The outreach, which expanded to Matabeleland South for the first time, ran from March 9 to 20, offering free extractions, restorative treatments and oral health education in Victoria Falls, Dete, Hwange and Matobo.
Cimas chief executive officer Vulindlela Ndlovu said oral health was a critical part of primary healthcare.
“Keeping your teeth in good condition is vital because sometimes some diseases are diagnosed through what is happening in your mouth,” he said.
The medical team treated 173 patients at Mkhosana Council Clinic on the first day, with numbers remaining high throughout the outreach.
In Matobo, Ward 15 councillor Dickson Moyo welcomed the initiative, noting that the area lacks a resident dentist and most residents cannot afford to travel to Bulawayo for care.
Siphathokuhle Moyo (25), a villager from Ebunyonyweni, said the outreach came as she battled recurring toothaches—a problem she has faced since primary school.
“I am truly grateful for this initiative that has been brought to our village,” she said.
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Ndlovu said strategic partnerships with local and international healthcare providers remained central to Cimas’ mission of inspiring healthier communities.
He added that quality healthcare should reach everyone and that the group remained committed to complementing government efforts to expand access across Zimbabwe.
Local partners for the second edition of the Cimas-SmileStar Free Dental Outreach included Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Hwange Safari Lodge, Miombo Safari Camp and Amalinda Safari.
