In a landmark moment for healthcare in Malawi, ten students have become the country’s first ever home-grown dentists.
Their graduation from the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences marks a turning point in the country’s long struggle to improve access to oral health, and it’s thanks in no small part to support from the Scottish Government.
Until now, every qualified dentist in Malawi had trained abroad.
In 2016, the entire population of nearly 18 million was served by just 40 dentists.
Now, thanks to the MalDent Project, that story is changing.
The project, launched in 2018 and backed by Scotland, has created Malawi’s first dental surgery degree and its first-ever national oral health policy.
For the first time in its history, Malawi is training dentists at home.
The ten new graduates are not just a proud achievement for their university, but a vital step towards better healthcare for millions.
They will treat patients, teach future generations, and help shape the country’s public health systems for years to come.
This milestone was celebrated as part of Africa Day 2025, which marks more than six decades of African unity.
Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs, Angus Robertson, praised the partnership between the two nations.
He said that in a time when many governments are scaling back their global commitments, Scotland is holding firm.
“Supporting people in our partner countries to improve their standard of living is, morally, the right thing to do,” said Mr Robertson.
“The MalDent project is an example of how our international development work is supporting a healthier and fairer future for people in Malawi.
“It’s delivering long-term impact that will transform lives for years to come.”
Professor Wakisa Mulwafu, Executive Dean of the School of Medicine and Oral Health at Kamuzu University, said the new dentists would be central to improving the country’s oral health.
“They will deliver clinical care, shape policy, support education and lead improvements in our health systems,” he said.
Professor Jeremy Bagg OBE from the University of Glasgow, one of the MalDent project’s founders, said the graduation marked a true turning point.
“I’m proud of the graduates and deeply grateful to the Scottish Government.
“This shows that locally-led solutions, backed by long-term support, can bring lasting change.”
It is a powerful reminder of what can happen when collaboration is driven by values, commitment and genuine partnership.
Ten new dentists may seem like a small number, but for Malawi, it represents the beginning of something truly transformative.
