KUHeS enhances Bachelor of Dental Surgery Programme

As one of way of enhancing the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme the department of Oral Health under the School of Oral Medicine undertook conducted a comprehensive curriculum review.

This initiative, led by Professor Wakisa Mulwafu, School of Medicine and Oral Health Executive Dean aims to shapern the educational framework that will guide the program’s trajectory for the next five years. This review came at a pivotal moment as the department prepares to celebrate the graduation of its first dental surgeons trained entirely within Malawi.

During the review discussions, Dr. James Mchenga, Acting Head of the Department of Oral Health, addressed some of the challenges facing the department.

He emphasized the pressing need for adequate equipment to facilitate practical training for students, highlighting that access to modern and comprehensive resources is essential for delivering high-quality dental education.

The significance of this curriculum review was underscored by Dr. Ishmael Nyirenda of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), who remarked on the timeliness of the initiative.

“It is actually good that this review is happening now; so much has happened, and so much will be done to make the programme better. Considering that it coincides with the graduation of the first cohort, it is a very commendable effort. We are now realizing how essential this program is for Malawi, and it could not have come at a more opportune time,” he stated.

Furthermore, Dr. Nitta Chinyama, Deputy Director of Clinical & Rehabilitative Services at the Ministry of Health, announced that the government has already secured funding to support internships for the graduating cohort.

This funding initiative will provide essential practical experience, enabling graduates to apply their knowledge in real-world clinical settings.

The curriculum review is not merely an academic exercise; it serves as a crucial effort to align the educational offerings with the evolving needs of the healthcare sector in Malawi.

With the first cohort of dental surgeons poised to graduate [this April], this comprehensive review will ensure that the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme not only meets local standards but also adheres to international best practices—ultimately contributing to better oral health outcomes for communities across Malawi.