What we (think we) know about dentistry in Burundi

Medical and dental care and training are in dire need in most parts of Africa, Burundi being no exception.  In fact, Burundi may be a case study for an area of greatest need.  I already mentioned that Burundi ranks as one of the poorest, least developed countries in the world.  Per capita annual income is something around $300.  Access to medical and dental care for many years has been non-existent to the great majority of the population.

Burundi has a population of approximately 8.5 million (2008 census data of just over 8 million, 2010 census estimate of 8.4 million), and, at best count, we think there might be 10 dentists!  It seems that they're mostly known as "stomatologists" (from the Greek "stoma" meaning "mouth").  I have no idea what level of dentistry is being provided--perhaps not much more than extractions and basic fillings, but we do surmise that the care is mostly rendered to the upper echelons of society in the urban areas of the country.  There is, as of yet, no dental school in the country.  There is no dental supply or equipment company--here in the States we have big companies like Henry-Schein, Patterson, Burkhart, etc, some of which are even publicly traded on the stock exchanges.  As far as I can tell there are no dental laboratories to make crowns, bridges, dentures, or partials.

So, how can this glaring deficiency ever change?  Yes, dentists can and do go on short term (1-2 week) mission trips where they see countless patients in pain and pull hundreds, if not thousands, of teeth.  Along the way, those who are Christians often share the good news of Jesus in an effort to help make a more lasting difference.  Many people are touched (both physically and spiritually) by this aid and effort, but the reality is that this model will never catch up with the need.  We could pull teeth all day for a lifetime and the line would probably never go away.  Some even claim that this model perpetuates the cycle of need and poverty.

So, what is Burundi to do?  How can the people work towards a sustainable model in which they can take care of their own while growing their economy, providing education and jobs?  This is where Hope Africa University comes in to play.  From their website:  Hope Africa University is a Christian Liberal Arts University located in Bujumbura, Burundi.  The university seeks to send into African society Christian scholars and professionals who will be able to effectively apply economic, political, and social principles for the well being of African people!

Among many other academic programs, HAU has a burgeoning department of stomatology.  Our understanding is that there will be two 3-year "cycles" to train dental providers.  The first 3-year cycle would produce a Bachelor's in Science degree with a course load heavy in dental sciences and some clinical apprenticeship time.  These (30-40?) graduates would then be able to provide some level of dental care in clinics and hospitals scattered about the country.  The second cycle is intended to train in more comprehensive levels of dentistry and would be reserved for just 6-8 students.  Without dental supply companies and dental laboratories I'm not sure how this will happen, but it's a start and there's much more we will learn along the way.

So this is where I might come in.  Some good friends are in Burundi now at the very beginning stages of coming alongside HAU's teaching hospital at Kibuye.  We are in early discussions about the possibility of having a dental clinic at the hospital where I could teach clinical dentistry as part of the apprenticeship training.

Please be in prayer for us as we continue to explore the options and learn where God would have us serve. Pray for the country and people of Burundi as they continue to work to heal and redevelop their nation. Pray for the leadership of HAU as they have many big decisions to make.