UWC Dentistry partner honoured by Queen

Dr Linda Greenwall, a former Cape Town dentist and UWC partner (now living in the UK) has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her work improving dental health in poor communities around the world.

A mother of four sons, Dr Greenwall said receiving the award has been “very exciting, a big surprise”, and added that she was “humbled and honoured at being recognised by the Queen”.

She was honoured for her work with Dental Wellness Trust and the Live Smart programme which she began in 2011 to reach just some of the 75%  of the world population who not have access to toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap.

“The right to oral health is a basic human right – and because of poverty many people do not even have their own toothbrush,” said Greenwall, who approached the University of the Western Cape Dental Faculty to collaborate on three research programmes on bringing dental health to the poor.

Besides UWC, Greenwall’s Trust is also assisted by Afrika Tikkum Services and Ikamba Labantu, 160 teachers and 27 mamas in Mfuleni, who assist some 10 000 children with tooth brushing and hand washing.

Greenwall and UWC have plans to build a Children’s Dental Clinic in Mfuleni but a lack of funds in standing in their way.

For more on Dr Greenwall or if you would like to assist, please visit her website: www.lindagreenwall.com