A free Dental Health, Oral Hygiene camp benefits many people in Tabora
TABORA: Hundreds of people from Sikonge District in Tabora region have benefited from a successful Dental Health and Oral Hygiene Outreach Camp held free of charge recently.
Organised by Project Rise, the global philanthropic arm of the Dawoodi Bohra community, it unfolded from July 17 to 19, 2026 where hundreds of people from Ipole and neighbouring villages in Sikonge District received free dental checkups, treatment and health education.
The camp was made possible through close cooperation with the Sikonge District Commissioner’s Office, the District Medical Office, the District Dental Officer, local government authorities and Ugunda Secondary School whose compound was briefly turned into a working dental clinic.
A team of qualified dental professionals examined patients, treated tooth decay, gum disease and oral infections, carried out necessary tooth extractions, provided medication, and referred those needing specialised treatment to nearby health facilities.
By the end of the camp, 2000 people had benefited: 1500 students received oral health education, 1000 patients were screened and treated while 50 patients were referred for advanced care.
For Amani, who had lived with persistent tooth pain for months, the relief was immediate. He said, “I had been putting off treatment because travelling to a dental clinic is expensive and difficult. The dentists treated me with kindness and explained everything clearly. I feel much better now, and I’m thankful that this service came to our village.”
However, treatment was only half the story as students at Sikonge Primary School and Sikonge Special Needs School, Ugunda Secondary School and community members joined lively and practical sessions on how to brush properly, why fluoride toothpaste matters, how food choices affect teeth, and how to spot the early signs of dental disease.
This is simple knowledge that can prevent painful problems years down the line…and for Peter, a student at Ugunda Secondary School who had never seen a dentist before, had this to say after getting the necessary services.
“Today I learned how to brush my teeth properly and why it’s important to take care of them every day. I feel more confident about looking after my health now.”
At this juncture, while building on a growing partnership with Tabora Region, the dental camp follows Project Rise’s Eye Care and Vision Restoration Camp, which restored and improved sight for more than 600 residents of rural Tanzania last year.
Together, the two camps have brought quality healthcare directly to communities that would otherwise go without it.
“Many oral health problems can be prevented with early intervention and good hygiene practices,” said Murtaza Alibhai, Program Coordinator from Saifee Hospital, Dar es Salam.
“By bringing dental professionals directly into the community, we hope to relieve pain, encourage preventive care and help people make informed choices about their oral health,” he said.
