A Scottish Government-backed initiative to improve oral health in
Malawi has marked a major milestone with the graduation of the
country's first-ever home-grown dentists.
Ten students from Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS)
have become the first in Malawi's history to qualify with a
Bachelor of Dental Surgery, a vital step in improving access to
oral healthcare for millions.
Historically Malawi has one of the lowest dentist-to-population
ratios in the world. In 2016, Malawi had about 40 dentists (all
overseas trained) for a population of around 18 million people.
Through the MalDent project – supported by the Scottish
Government since 2018 – Malawi has established the first national
dental degree programme and developed its first-ever oral health
policy. This training provides a new generation of locally based
dentists, strengthening dental education and improving oral
health in Malawi.
Marking Africa Day 2025, which celebrates more than 60 years of
African unity, External Affairs Secretary said that the MalDent
project was an example of how Scotland's work to fight poverty,
injustice and inequality in Malawi was building a better future
for its people.
Mr Robertson said:
“While some governments' support for overseas aid has been in
retreat, the Scottish Government is proud to stand behind its
values that supporting people in our partner countries to improve
their standard of living is, morally, the right thing to do.
“The MalDent project is an example of how our international
development work is supporting a healthier and fairer future for
people in Malawi, delivering long-term impact that will transform
lives for years to come.
“On Africa Day, we are proud to celebrate Scotland's
long-standing friendship and partnership with Malawi and look
forward to achieving more successes such as this together.”
Professor Wakisa Mulwafu, Executive Dean of the School of
Medicine and Oral Health at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
(KUHeS), said:
“The MalDent Project has helped us to create a new workforce to
address the oral health of people in Malawi. These graduates will
play a vital role in delivering clinical care, shaping policy,
supporting education, and leading improvements in health systems
for years to come.”
Professor Jeremy Bagg OBE, University of Glasgow, said:
"This marks a milestone for oral health in Malawi. I'm proud of
the graduates and deeply grateful to the Scottish Government.
It's proof that locally-led solutions, backed by sustained
support, can drive lasting change."
Background
The MalDent Project was
launched in 2018 to establish Malawi's first Bachelor of Dental
Surgery degree and develop a National Oral Health Policy. The
first cohort of MalDent-trained dentists graduated in April 2025
from Kamuzu University of Health Sciences.
As of April 2025, there are 137 dental students currently
studying for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree.
The MalDent project is supported by University of Glasgow, Royal
College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow, NHS GGC, NHS
Lothian, and NHS Education for Scotland, Glasgow School of Art,
Dentaid, Smileawi, Bridge2Aid, AMECA, Medical Aid International,
The Borrow Foundation, Henry Schein Dental, Dental Association of
Malawi.
Since 2018, £1.6 million has been invested by the Scottish
Government in the MalDent Project. More information about the
Scottish Government's international
development work on global health is available on
gov.scot.
