Operation Smile and University of Rwanda
The University of Maryland School of Dentistry partners with Operation Smile and the University of Rwanda to advance oral health through education, clinical service, and workforce development. Through the Rwanda Dental Exchange Program, UMSOD faculty and residents collaborate with local providers to expand access to essential dental care while strengthening oral health education and training.
In addition to providing clinical services, the partnership emphasizes capacity building through knowledge exchange and professional development. UMSOD faculty have developed a comprehensive series of dental public health educational modules for Operation Smile Academy and engage with students and educators at the University of Rwanda through lectures, training, and academic collaboration. During a recent exchange, a multidisciplinary team screened 134 patients, provided treatment to 121 individuals, and delivered more than 560 dental procedures. The program also included educational programming that engaged more than 120 students and faculty members from the University of Rwanda. Together, these efforts help strengthen oral health capacity and improve oral health outcomes through sustainable, community-centered partnerships.
Additional Global Partnerships Include
- Chulalongkorn University
- The University of Osaka
- Chung Shan Medical University
