Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) of Dakar has taken a major step forward in transforming dental healthcare in Senegal and across West Africa. Over the weekend, the university officially inaugurated a modern dental clinic and laid the foundation stone for a new dental training center — two strategic projects that aim to improve access to quality oral healthcare and enhance dental education in the region.
The event, held at UCAD’s Department of Dentistry, brought together leaders from government, academia, the health sector, and Mercy Ships — the international NGO supporting the initiative alongside the Institute of Odontology and Stomatology (IOS) and Senegal’s Ministry of Health and Social Action.
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The newly operational prosthodontic clinic features 10 fully equipped dental chairs and a dedicated radiology suite. It is designed to provide students with real-world clinical experience while increasing access to professional dental services for local communities. “These facilities are more than buildings; they’re a long-term investment in sustainable public health and a new era of professional dental training,” said Professor Bara Ndiaye, Dean of UCAD’s Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry.
The second phase of the initiative — a large-scale dental training center — will be completed within two years. The facility will house 30 dental chairs and is expected to become a regional hub for advanced dental specialization and clinical excellence in West Africa. According to Serigne Mbaye, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health and Social Action, the project supports national goals of improving training capacity, expanding access to care, and integrating hands-on learning into dental education.
Mercy Ships Country Director for Guinea, David Ugai, emphasized the importance of sustainable partnerships: “This collaboration with UCAD reflects our commitment to empowering local institutions and building lasting healthcare systems in Africa.” As Cheikh Anta Diop University strengthens its role as a leader in African higher education and medical innovation, these new facilities represent a model for how academic institutions can directly contribute to improving public health outcomes.