CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa’s first specialized pediatric and special needs dental care unit has officially opened, thanks to a collaboration between the Rotary Club, the Provincial Government of the Western Cape (PGWC), and the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) Department of Pediatric Dentistry.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance efficiency in dental care, reduce anxiety for young patients, and focus on delivering specialized oral health services, particularly to children with special health needs.
The new facility responds to a long-standing gap in pediatric dental services, particularly in the Western Cape, and is expected to significantly improve service delivery for local children.
Delene Swart, President of the Bellville Rotary Club, explained the importance of the new facility: “As we work towards establishing pediatric dentistry as a recognized specialty in South Africa, we saw the need for a child-friendly, specialized dental unit in the Western Cape.”
The new pediatric surgery unit is equipped with state-of-the-art materials and advanced technology, which will not only enhance service quality but also provide valuable training for postgraduate dental students.
Swart added that the launch of the unit will help expand treatment capacity in pediatric dentistry, easing the workload of local healthcare providers.
Dr. Nicoline Potgieter, President of the South African Association of Pediatric Dentistry and course coordinator for UWC’s Masters program in Pediatric Dentistry, highlighted the urgent need for specialized oral healthcare for South African children.
“Oral health is directly linked to overall health, which affects a child’s quality of life. It is crucial that we address the basic healthcare needs of our children,” Potgieter said.
The unit’s focus on minimally invasive techniques and preventative care is designed to make dental visits less intimidating for children, with an environment aimed at easing their anxiety. Potgieter hopes that this will be the first of many similar units across South Africa, addressing a critical need in children’s healthcare.
