Image by The University of the Western Cape (UWC) has the largest dental faculty in Africa, and it is expanding its outreach activities through key collaborations that make a global impact.
The faculty trains more than 50% of South Africa’s dentists. Two academics recently delivered specialist teaching at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) in Lilongwe, Malawi. This was part of the Flying Faculty Week initiative under the MalDent (Malawi Dental) Project, where they assisted with the academic programme at Malawi’s first dental school.
Prof Amir Afrogheh, Head of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at the National Health Laboratory Service and Dr Anneze Odendaal, a part-time lecturer in Oral Medicine and Periodontology, were key contributors to this intensive teaching programme for third- and fourth-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery students in Malawi.
The University of Glasgow provided the crucial resources needed for the MalDent Project, and UWC researchers were eager to assist with teaching and learning collaborations.
The cohort assisted by the Maldent Project at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) in Lilongwe, Malawi, with Prof Amir Afrogheh and Dr Anneze Odendaal. Image: SuppliedProf Afrogheh has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications on head and neck pathology. This includes studies on the role of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in head and neck cancers, brush cytology of oral mucosal lesions, and molecular pathogenesis of salivary gland tumours.
He has received numerous awards and prizes for his work, including the International Academy of Pathology ROC Kaschula award, UWC's best early- and mid-career research awards, and the University of Stellenbosch's best research award. He was among five cancer researchers nominated for the prestigious Oettlé Memorial Award of the Cancer Association of South Africa in 2019.
Dr Odendaal's research focuses on oral potentially malignant disorders, and she is a member of COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). This interdisciplinary research network brings researchers and innovators together to investigate oral potentially malignant disorders. She has authored and co-authored several reviews and case reports in the field of oral medicine and oral pathology.
Dr Odendaal said: “It was a distinct privilege to contribute to the academic development of Malawi’s first dental school. The students demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, and a sincere commitment to mastering their discipline. Their dedication to understanding the material and their eagerness to serve their communities is both inspiring and commendable.” She added: “Our experience was further enriched by the opportunity to collaborate with Prof Jeremy Bagg, Dr Peter Chimimba, and Prof James Mchenga. Their leadership exemplifies the profound impact that international collaboration and a shared vision can achieve, even when driven by a small group of dedicated individuals.”
This Flying Faculty Week was coordinated in partnership with the University of Glasgow, and it marked a significant shift with the inclusion of African-based academics as co-leaders in an international educational exchange model.
Read more about the Maldent project and Flying Faculty Week HERE.
