The Forgotten Health Crisis: Dental Care Disparities in Sub-Saharan Africa

When we think of healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa, conversations often focus on infectious diseases, maternal health, or access to clean water and rightfully so. But one overlooked public health issue continues to impact millions quietly and painfully: oral health.

For many in low-income and rural communities across the region, dental care is a luxury, not a basic right. The lack of accessible, affordable dental services has led to a silent epidemic of untreated tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections; conditions that are both preventable and treatable.

Why Is Dental Care So Inaccessible?

One of the biggest challenges is the shortage of dental professionals. Some countries have fewer than one dentist per 100,000 people, with most of them based in cities. That leaves rural and poor populations with virtually no access to even basic dental services.

Cost is another barrier. For a family struggling to afford food or school fees, a visit to the dentist (if available at all) often doesn’t make the list. Add in the lack of education about oral hygiene, and you have a perfect storm of neglect and need.

The Real-Life Impact

Poor dental health doesn’t just mean cavities or bad breath. It can mean:

• Chronic pain
• Malnutrition due to difficulty eating
• Infections that spread to other parts of the body
• Missed school for children and lost work for adults
• Emotional distress from stigma or visible dental issues

For children, especially, the consequences can be long-term affecting their growth, learning, and confidence.

What Can Be Done?

The good news? Solutions exist—and they’re within reach.

• Mobile dental clinics can bring care directly to underserved communities.
• School-based education programs can teach children about brushing and basic oral hygiene.
• Training mid-level dental providers and integrating oral health into primary care can extend reach and reduce costs.
• Advocacy for affordable dental supplies like toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste can make a lasting impact.

At The Mercy and Love Foundation, we believe that oral health is not a privilege, it’s a human right. That’s why we partnered with His Hands on Africa, a dental organization training dentists in Rwanda. As we expand our work in health equity across Africa, we are committed to lifting up this issue and working with partners to bring smiles, confidence, and comfort back to the faces of those we serve.

Every Smile Matters.

If you’re passionate about health equity and want to be involved in our upcoming missions, including those focused on dental care, we’d love to hear from you.