GERMAN DENTAL SPECIALIST PLEDGES TO STRENGTHEN TANZANIA'S CAPACITY IN ORAL HEALTH CARE
By Joseph Ngilisho | ARUMERU
A leading German dental specialist, Dr Ursula Suessbier, has pledged to strengthen collaboration between Tanzania and Germany to improve oral health services after observing that oral diseases remain a significant public health challenge requiring stronger international cooperation in prevention, treatment and professional training.
Dr Suessbier made the commitment on 24 July 2026 at the conclusion of a two-day oral health outreach clinic held at Selian-Ngaramtoni Hospital, marking the end of a seven-day mission by a team of German and Tanzanian dental specialists in Arumeru West Constituency.
The mission brought together dental experts from Germany and Tanzania, including professionals from the Arusha District Council and Selian-Ngaramtoni Hospital. During the week-long programme, the team provided free dental screening and treatment to hundreds of residents, conducted oral health assessments in primary and secondary schools, and exchanged professional expertise aimed at strengthening Tanzania's oral health system.
Speaking after the outreach programme, Dr Suessbier said her experience in Arumeru had highlighted the urgent need for Tanzania to invest more heavily in preventive oral health services while expanding international partnerships to build the capacity of local professionals.
She noted that dental examinations conducted in schools revealed that most children had healthy, strong teeth, although a small number presented with minor tooth decay. However, she said the situation among adults treated at Selian-Ngaramtoni Hospital was considerably different.
According to Dr Suessbier, many adult patients suffered from heavy dental calculus (tartar) deposits and periodontal (gum) disease—conditions that, if left untreated, can loosen teeth and ultimately result in tooth loss.
"The major challenge we observed was not only tooth decay but also gum disease. These conditions are highly preventable through professional dental cleaning once or twice a year, which is routine practice in Germany. If preventive dental services are strengthened in Tanzania, oral health outcomes will improve significantly," she said.
She explained that one of the partnership's primary objectives is to establish a professional exchange programme between Tanzania and Germany, enabling dentists, dental assistants and oral hygienists to receive advanced training and enhance the quality of services provided to communities.
Dr Suessbier further announced that Dental Global will continue working closely with Tanzanian health stakeholders by bringing specialists from Berlin to train local professionals while supporting community education programmes that promote oral hygiene and the prevention of oral diseases.
She emphasised that the long-term collaboration will enhance the skills of local oral health professionals, strengthen preventive and clinical services, and significantly reduce the burden of oral diseases across Tanzania.
Ends
Post a Comment