Overview
The Dental Public Health SIG is a forum for professional exchange of knowledge within a multi-disciplinary context. Activities involve engagement in dental public health issues, research and career development. It further aims to create awareness of oral health issues in public health and to contribute to adding value to the public health system and oral health programmes in the country.
Our objectives are as follows:
- To contribute to the growth of the organization by encouraging the registration of oral health professionals into PHASA.
- To create awareness and advocate in public health issues affecting oral health.
- To contribute towards adding value to the public health system and oral health programs in the country.
- To work collectively in implementing measures of disease prevention and promotion for improving the overall health of our South African population.
Prof. Khabiso Ramphoma
Chairperson, Dental Public Health Special Interest Group
Specialist Consultant in Community Dentistry
Associate Professor
Oral Health Advocate
Email:
Prof. Khabiso Ramphoma is a Specialist and an Associate Professor in Community Dentistry at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), where she combines clinical expertise with a strong commitment to advancing oral health equity. Her work focuses on integrating oral health into general healthcare systems, shaping health policy, and strengthening community-based health education, with a particular emphasis on maternal and child health.
As an educator, she trains and supervises both undergraduate and postgraduate dental students while coordinating outreach initiatives that emphasise community-based learning. Her research and advocacy are driven by a passion for reducing oral health disparities and promoting inclusive policies, especially for vulnerable populations.
On the global stage, she serves as South Africa’s representative on the World Federation of Public Health Associations’ Oral Health Work Group, where she actively promotes the integration of oral health into broader public health policies. Her work links academic research with practical implementation, advocating for proven methods to broaden oral healthcare access and transform systems.
Ms. Tamsyn Leigh Martin
Deputy Chairperson, Dental Public Health Special Interest Group
Bachelor of Oral Health
MPH (UWC)
Lecturer
Community-based Oral Health Activist
Driven by a strong commitment to health promotion and health equity, Tamsyn is actively engaged in the design and implementation of community-based oral health initiatives, particularly within primary schools and Early Childhood Development (ECD) settings. Her work focuses on improving oral health outcomes in undeserved communities through inter-professional collaboration, policy engagement, and evidence-based research.
She also contributes to academic development through teaching and supervising Bachelor of Oral Health students at the University of the Western Cape and plays an integral role in dental outreach services and student mentorship.
Dr. Nashna Rampersad
Secretary, Dental Public Health Special Interest Group
Specialist Consultant in Community Dentistry
Lecturer
Child Oral Health Advocate
Dr. Rampersad is a Specialist Consultant in Community Dentistry, currently serving in a part-time capacity at the Department of Community Dentistry, University of the Western Cape (UWC). With a career rooted in advancing equitable oral health care, she combines clinical excellence with a deep commitment to public health education and policy development.
Her professional interests lie at the intersection of child oral health, health economics, and oral health systems strengthening. She has a particular focus on the social determinants of oral health and the integration of oral health into primary health care services. She endeavours towards her work contributing toward shaping integrated preventive strategies, designing cost-effective interventions, and improving access to care for vulnerable populations, especially children.
Beyond her clinical and academic roles, Dr. Rampersad is actively engaged in public health advocacy, community outreach, and interdisciplinary research. Dr. Rampersad is passionate about bridging the gap between research and practice, and continues to advocate for inclusive, evidence-based oral health policy both locally and globally.
Contact
PHASA Secretariat
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