Tanzania dental expo to revolutionise oral, dental health sector

DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTRIES of Health and the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG), in collaboration with oral and dental health stakeholders, have called on Tanzanians and various institutions to participate in a maiden Tanzania Dental Expo planned to be held between May 30 and 31, 2025.

The event will attract dental and oral health professionals from both local and international platforms who will offer free consultations and screenings to attendees.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam early this week, Director of Tanzania Dental Expo, Dr Ambege Mwakatobe, who is also a member of World Dental Federation (FDI) announced that preparations are complete for the exhibition scheduled to take place at Mlimani City grounds in Dar es Salaam. Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr Selemani Jafo, is expected to officially open the event.

“We expect professionals from different continents, including Europe, Asia and America, to bring in advanced technologies used in modern oral and dental healthcare services,” said Dr Mwakatobe.

“These exhibitions offer a great opportunity for our local health professionals from hospitals and various centres to receive training on the modern technologies being used in the provision of oral and dental health services,” he added.

In addition to training for professionals, Dr Mwakatobe said that the general public attending the exhibition will receive free consultations and screenings related to various dental and oral health challenges.

“Approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide, including Tanzanians, face challenges related to oral and dental health,” “So, this platform provides a unique opportunity for Tanzanians with oral health issues to receive free professional services using state-of-the-art equipment from highly skilled professionals,” said Dr Mwakatobe, who is also Tanzania’s representative to the World Dental Federation (FDI).

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Meanwhile, Chairperson of the exhibition board, Dr Baraka Nzobo stressed the importance of the expo for Tanzanians and neighbouring countries for the sector’s revolution.

The event will gather various specialists dedicated to the critical field of oral and dental health.

“This exhibition is a major opportunity for our country, as it is the first of its kind in Tanzania. It will attract international experts involved in providing and using modern medical equipment utilised in developed countries,” said Dr Nzobo.

“Through this exhibition, we expect major transformations in the delivery of oral and dental healthcare services in Tanzania as providers learn from global best practices and improve their professional capacity,” he added.

Dr Nzobo also called on various stakeholders such as banks and health insurance providers to participate in the exhibition.

He noted that the event will help identify specific areas for potential collaboration between oral health institutions and other sectors.

He urged financial and other institutions to take part in the exhibition and be part of the transformation of the country’s oral healthcare sector.

On her part, Dr Leonora Assevi encouraged the public to attend in large numbers and learn how to properly care for their oral health and address common issues such as bad breath and proper brushing techniques.

She also advised the public to adopt a habit of regular oral health checkups and understand the connection between oral health challenges and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes.