Cimas Dental Outreach Transforms Oral Health Access in Matabeleland

More than 1000 people across Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland region recently benefited from a life-changing two-week long dental outreach programme led by Cimas Health Group, through its dental unit in a strong demonstration of corporate commitment to community health and wellness.

The outreach, which targeted underserved communities in Matabeleland North and South was conducted in partnership SmileStar, a United Kingdom-based dental charity organisation among other local partners including, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Hwange Safari Lodge, Miombo Safari Camp and Amalinda Safari Collection.

Residents in key areas including Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Matobo were among the beneficiaries who accessed professional dental care for the first time, receiving free consultations, treatments, and oral health education.

A major highlight of the second edition of the outreach was at Matopo Mission Clinic, as it coincided with World Oral Health Day dedicated to improving oral health.

Complimenting the World Oral Health Day commemorations, the outreach spotlighted the urgent need to address oral health disparities in marginalised communities. Poor oral health is often overlooked, yet it plays a critical role in overall wellbeing, affecting nutrition, confidence, and quality of life.

The clinic was transformed into a hub of care, with Cimas Dental professionals providing essential services ranging from routine check-ups to necessary treatments.

The presence of the Cimas Health Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Vuli Ndlovu underscored the organisation’s commitment to grassroots healthcare delivery. The visit added significance to the outreach, reinforcing the importance of leadership involvement in community-driven initiatives.

Mr Ndlovu in his address noted that partnerships drive sustainable and inclusive healthcare delivery.

“Strategic partnerships with both locals, government and international healthcare providers remain central to Cimas Health Group’s purpose which is to inspire healthier communities as they enable sustainable healthcare solutions,” he said.

“Sustainable healthcare cannot be achieved in isolation, but through strong, purpose driven partnerships like the one we have with SmileStar that combines expertise, resources, and a shared commitment to inspire healthier communities.”

Through this outreach, Cimas Health Group not only provided immediate relief to hundreds of patients, but also raised awareness about preventative dental care. The outreach emphasized education, encouraging communities to adopt better oral hygiene practices and seek early treatment.

“At Cimas Health Group, we believe that healthcare must be accessible, inclusive and sustainable. Through this outreach, we are not only providing immediate dental care, but also raising awareness about oral hygiene and preventative health which contribute to long-term health outcomes and reduce the burden on the healthcare system,” Mr Ndlovu said.

The impact of the programme extends beyond the numbers. For many residents, the outreach restored dignity, relieved pain, and brought renewed confidence truly delivering on the promise of “brighter smiles.”

As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with healthcare access challenges, initiatives like the Cimas-SmileStar Dental Outreach set a powerful example of how private sector involvement can bridge critical gaps.

Cimas Health Group’s investment in community health demonstrates that sustainable impact is possible when organizations prioritize people-centered care.

“As Cimas Health Group, we continue to demonstrate that healthcare goes beyond our clinics and hospitals, the reason we are investing in taking it directly to the people in different communities across the country where it is needed most through our mobile clinic” Mr Ndlovu noted.

With over 1000 lives touched, the outreach stands as a testament to Cimas Dental’s dedication to improving health outcomes one smile at a time.

The SmileStar founder Dr Mitesh Badiani said the partnership with Cimas Health Group is playing a meaningful role in promoting preventive dental care and improving overall health outcomes across Zimbabwe.

“We received a better-than-expected turnout in Matabeleland North province. The collaboration with our local partners, including, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Hwange Safari Lodge, Miombo Safari Camp and Amalinda Safari Collection and Cimas Health Group through their Dental Unit, enabled a successful delivery of the dental services in Zimbabwe and helping us achieve our intended results in the underserved communities,” Dr Badiani said.