Mercy Ships has hosted the first African Dental Education Symposium in Casablanca, Morocco. The symposium, held on July 11–12, 2025, aimed to support the growth and development of dental education in Africa.
The event attracted stakeholders from dental schools in 24 African countries, who gathered at Université Mohammed VI des Sciences de la Santé in Casablanca to discuss the shortage of dentists and inadequate dental care on the continent. The highlight of the event was the creation of the African Education Dental Association (AEDA). It is the first of its kind.
Sadly, Africa currently has only 0.44 dentists per 10,000 people, one of the lowest rates in the world. The new association aims to help the continent produce more dentists. The strategy involves ensuring collaboration and knowledge sharing among dental schools. Prof. Ihsane Benyayha, who led the initiative, stated that it was time for Africa to unite and address its dental crisis. Mercy Ships has also partnered with several countries to improve dental education and facilities.
