KUHeS – Dentistry Placement

Locations

Blantyre, Malawi

Elective Options
Clinical
Usual Capacity

4 students

Cost & Dates

  • US$50 per week

  • US$150 one-time Medical Council registration fee

  • Accomodation arranged seperately
Subject Areas

  • Extractions and emergency dental care

  • Conservative / restorative dentistry

  • Root canal therapy

  • Prosthodontics (dentures, crowns, bridges)

  • Orthodontics

  • Dental laboratory exposure

  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

  • Community oral health outreach

 

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The Dental Department at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre is the tertiary dental care center in Southern Malawi and teaching hub for dental and oral-health sciences students at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS). The department delivers a high volume of diverse services, including restorative dentistry, paediatric care, emergency dental management, and oral and maxillofacial procedures.

As one of the busiest dental units in the region, QECH offers elective students a vibrant and eye-opening clinical experience. Working in a resource-limited setting gives learners the opportunity to develop adaptability, clinical awareness, and cultural humility while observing conditions and pathologies less frequently encountered in high-income countries. Students also benefit from close collaboration with the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery team, gaining insight into interdisciplinary management of complex cases.

The department is further strengthened through its involvement in the MALDENT Project, an international partnership aimed at building sustainable dental training, research capacity, and oral-health systems in Malawi.

Altogether, QECH offers a unique and rewarding placement for students seeking meaningful global health exposure, hands-on learning opportunities, and the chance to contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen dental care in Malawi.

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FTE Take – KUHeS – Ophthalmology and Dentistry

 

Elective-Suitability Rubric

To help you compare sites and make informed choices we offer this summary assessment of the sites we offer.  This reflects the academic lead’s analysis in the light of site visits and the feedback available to us, but please note that staff turn-over can be high and things can change rapidly in small centres.  The following is therefore for guidance only.

Dimension

Description
  • Comfort vs Challenge

Malawi is a wonderfully welcoming country but less developed than many and therefore sometimes challenging in terms of things like transport options, food choices and power cuts.  There are more flights to Lilongwe than Blantyre, which is more convenient and where Medic to Medic staff can offer airport pick-up and accommodation if you wish.

It is a very rewarding destination at the more challenging end of the elective spectrum. Blantyre is a bustling capital city and home to its single medical school. 
  • Safety vs Adventure

Visitors should be mindful of road safety and petty crime but the country is renowned for its hospitality and generally safe.
  • Sociability vs Isolation

Placements at KUHeS offer ample opportunities for linking with other visiting elective and Malawian medical and dental students.
  • Hands-on vs Observational

Lions Sight First Eye Hospital that is excited to be welcoming potential future ophthalmologists for focused electives.  A bespoke programme offering broad relevant experience will be offered.

Dental elective placements offer engagement with a very broad range of activities and conditions, including head and neck cancers.  You will be working alongside Malawian dental students.
  • Engagement opportunities

Limited – these are academically focused teaching units.
  • Costs and value

Malawi in general is a little more expensive than neighboring African elective opportunities but still very good value.
  • Travel / tourism

Medic to Medic can assist with travel around Malawi for those staying with them.  Otherwise local taxis or minibuses known as Khombis may be your only option.
  • Career relevance

Ophthalmology in Blantyre can be used to support ST post applications.
  • Academic opportunities

Healthcare Improvement projects may be feasible if well planned in advance.

Additional Comments and Tips specific to this host

These two elective sites are part of the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) through which electives are organised locally.  Medic to Medic, our main partner in Malawi is happy to assist with accommodation and other arrangements but this is separate to the academic component.   

KUHeS offers an elective guide for visiting students, as does Medic to Medic.

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Students rotate across multiple clinical and laboratory units during their placement.

A typical 4-week structure includes:

  • Week 1: Extractions and emergency dental care

  • Week 2: Restorative and conservative dentistry

  • Week 3: Prosthodontics and dental laboratory exposure

  • Week 4: Clinics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery ward exposure, and inpatient reviews

Fridays often involve community or school outreach programmes focused on oral-health promotion and screening.

Students are paired with a KUHeS dental student for day-to-day integration and learning.

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  • Extractions and emergency dental care

  • Restorative / conservative dentistry

  • Root canal therapy

  • Prosthodontics (dentures, crowns and bridges)

  • Orthodontics

  • Dental laboratory exposure

  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

  • Community oral health outreach and school visits

Students rotate through multiple units within the department during their placement, working alongside KUHeS dental students and clinical supervisors.

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Accommodation is not provided directly by KUHeS.

Students typically stay at:

  • Medic to Medic House (approximately 30-minute walk from QECH; includes Wi-Fi and shared kitchen facilities). Please note that this is self catered accomodation. 

  • Nearby lodges such as Kabula Lodge (approximately 20-minute walk from the hospital)

Airport pickup and accommodation arrangements can be organised through Medic to Medic for an additional fee.

Accommodation costs are separate from the placement fee.

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The placement is based in Blantyre, Malawi’s commercial centre and one of the country’s main urban hubs.

Shops, cafés and local services are within walking distance of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. Taxis and local minibuses are widely available and affordable.

For weekend travel, popular destinations include Mount Mulanje, Zomba Plateau and Majete Wildlife Reserve. KUHeS campus facilities, including sports and swimming areas, are also accessible nearby.

Blantyre offers a busy hospital environment combined with access to Malawi’s natural landscapes.

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Item Details
4-week placement $200 total (US $50/week)
Extra weeks Not applicable (maximum 4 weeks)
Medical Council registration $150 one-time fee
Accommodation Approx. $20/night (Medic to Medic House or similar)
Airport pickup Not arranged by KUHeS; Medic to Medic can support (fee applies)
Availability Year-round (ideal timing: start of KUHeS semester)

Included

  • Clinical supervision

  • Access to dental clinics and teaching sessions

  • Integration with KUHeS dental students

  • Use of KUHeS campus facilities

Not Included

  • Accommodation

  • Food and personal expenses

  • Flights and insurance

  • Visa

  • SIM card / data

  • Weekend travel

FTE booking fee applies

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Do I need a visa for Malawi?
Yes. Visa rules have recently changed and most students are now required to obtain a visa in advance of travel. Students are responsible for checking the latest entry requirements and applying in good time before departure.

Is local registration required?
Yes. All students must complete Medical Council registration on arrival. A one-time registration fee of US$150 applies.

Is accommodation included in the placement fee?
No. Accommodation is arranged separately. Many students stay at the Medic to Medic House or nearby lodges within walking distance of QECH.

Is airport pickup available?
KUHeS does not arrange airport pickup directly. Medic to Medic can assist with airport transfers and accommodation arrangements for an additional fee.

Is Wi-Fi available?
Wi-Fi is available at Medic to Medic accommodation. Students are advised to purchase a local Airtel SIM card for affordable data during their stay.

How do students access food?
Meals can be purchased from cafés within QECH or from nearby supermarkets. Most accommodation options include shared kitchen facilities for self-catering.

What are living conditions like?
Accommodation typically includes running water, hot showers and flushing toilets. Tap water should be boiled before drinking; bottled water is widely available. Power outages can occur and students should be prepared for occasional service interruptions.

Will I be working independently?
No. Students are paired with KUHeS dental students and supervised by clinical staff. All clinical activity must remain within your level of training and under supervision.

Is this placement suitable for early-year students?
This elective is best suited to senior dental students who are confident in core clinical skills and comfortable working in a resource-aware setting.

What should I bring?

  • Scrubs or appropriate clinical attire

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Mosquito repellent

  • Warm clothing (May–July)

  • Light clothing (September–November)

Are there any dress or conduct expectations?
Students are expected to dress professionally and conservatively, follow hospital policies, and respect local cultural norms at all times. Alcohol and recreational drugs are not permitted on hospital premises.

Do I need insurance?
Yes. Students must arrange their own travel insurance and professional indemnity cover (usually via a UK defence organisation).

Can I fundraise for the host institution?
Students sometimes choose to undertake fundraising before or after their elective. Where appropriate, fundraising can be directed through Medic to Medic to support healthcare students in Malawi. Any fundraising activity should be discussed with FTE in advance to ensure alignment and transparency.