Health Begins in the Mouth
Dental Roots e.V. supports dental healthcare in Rwanda.
Our Story
Over 15 years of learning together
2011 – within the framework of the grassroots partnership Rhineland-Palatinate – Rwanda, Dr. Franz-Josef Ratter and Dr. Jürgen Raven begin their dental support. From the initiative "Aktion Zahnwurzel" the association Dental Roots – Raçines Dentaires – Aktion Zahnwurzel e.V. was founded in 2014.
The idea was simple: Not working for people, but with them. No one-time actions, but building long-term partnerships – in clinics such as CHUK Kigali, CHUB Butare, and district hospitals in Nyanza, Ruhengeri and Ruli.
of learning together
The First Trip
Dr. Ratter and Michael Nieden, the CEO of the Rhineland-Palatinate-Rwanda partnership, travel to Rwanda.
Prophylaxis Programs
Launch of school visits and prophylaxis programs for children. Over 10,000 children will be reached in the coming years.
Association Founded
Founding of the association "Dental Roots – Raçines Dentaires – Aktion Zahnwurzel e.V." in Neustadt an der Weinstraße. Dr. Franz-Josef Ratter becomes 1st Chairman, Dr. Jürgen Raven becomes 2nd Chairman.
2014/2015 Equipment Delivery & Expansion of Partner Clinics
With new treatment rooms and equipment, together with "Mamisch Hilft" and the Rhineland-Palatinate-Rwanda Partnership Association, the clinics CHUK Kigali and district hospitals in Nyanza and Ruhengeri are equipped. Ceremonial inauguration in Nyanza.
Four Dentists from Rwanda in the Palatinate
Dental Roots invites the CEOs from CHUK Kigali, Nyanza, Ruhengeri and Ruli for 14 days to the Palatinate. The focus is on hospitality in practices and a dental laboratory. The program also includes visits to LZK, state parliament, dental faculty at the University of Mainz, Dentistry Day and SIRONA Bensheim.
Technician Training in Germany
Together with Sirona Dental, equipment technicians from CHUK and Ruli clinics are invited for training in Bensheim.
Focus on Batwa Students
Trip to Rwanda with special focus on students from the Batwa community in Ruhengeri.
Extended Clinic Visits
Visits including Munini and Mibilizi to expand dental care coverage.
Continuing with New Energy After Covid
Visits to the Better Health Clinic in Gashore (Laurien and Devothe) and to Rwanda's only hospice run by Sr. Maria (with a dental practice) in Kabuga (now Masaka).
New Work Assignments
Successful work assignments by dentists Küber and Matheis as well as the Lindhammer family. Tour with prophylaxis teaching in schools in Mucondo, Kanama and Kicuciro.
Start of the Pilot Project "Teacher-Teaching"
The project in Mukondo, Kanama and Masaka is supported by the Rhineland-Palatinate-Rwanda Partnership Association and the State Chancellery of Rhineland-Palatinate. Dr. Emmanuel from the St. Vincent Health Center in Masaka is involved in our project in Mukondo and Kanama. Through his commitment, the Vincent Pallotti School in Masaka is included in the pilot project.
New Leadership
After more than 11 years, dentist Kurt Heners takes over the duties of Dr. Jürgen Raven as 2nd Chairman. To everyone's deep regret, he must step down from his responsibilities for health reasons. However, he will continue to work for Dental Roots' goals within his means. Dr. Raven has made an outstanding contribution to dental health for the people of Rwanda.
What began as a small project is today an established collaboration between German and Rwandan dentists.
9 trips have taught us: Sustainable development requires time, respect and the absolute will to grow together.
Stronger Together
Strong Partners for Sustainable Aid
Our work in Rwanda is supported by strong partnerships. Together with companies and organizations, we create sustainable structures for better dental health – with people, for people.
Creating foundations for better dental healthcare!
Our goals:
Strengthening Prophylaxis
Improving Technical Structures
Dental Knowledge Transfer
Building Technical Prerequisites
Prophylaxis & Prevention
School visits, education and early detection – for a generation with healthy teeth
Equipment & Infrastructure
Delivery of modern dental chairs and technical equipment for sustainable structures, as well as materials, instruments and small devices worth over 30,000 EUR
Knowledge Transfer & Training
Training for dentists and assistants – help for self-help
Clinic Partnerships
Long-term cooperation with CHUK Kigali, CHUB Butare, Hospital Ruli and other clinics
Our Impact in Numbers
Concrete achievements since 2011
Trips to Rwanda
Partner Clinics
Students Educated
Treatment Rooms Fully Equipped
Schools
Our Approaches
We take a holistic approach to sustainably improving dental care in Rwanda – on three levels.
Strengthening Prophylaxis
Despite high efforts for caries prophylaxis in schools, caries prevalence in the population is increasing. We are intensifying preventive programs and education.
- Regular school visits with practical education
- Distribution of toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Early detection of dental problems in children
- Teacher-teaching pilot program
Improving Technical Structures
Treatment chairs, sterilizers, instruments, equipment – we improve the technical prerequisites for professional dental care.
- Treatment chairs for clinics
- Sterilizers and hygiene systems, compressors
- Instruments and consumables
- Maintenance, repairs and technical training
Dental Knowledge Transfer
We train colleagues on site and establish knowledge transfer.
- Training for dentists
- Best practice exchange Germany-Rwanda
- Modern treatment methods and standards
- Establishing long-term mentoring partnerships
Everything
serves:
dental healthcare for the population
improving quality of life
creating jobs
The Country
Rwanda –
Land of a Thousand Hills
Rwanda is a landlocked East African country with about 13 million inhabitants. The country is characterized by a breathtaking hilly landscape and is considered one of the most densely populated countries in Africa.
Rwanda is characterized by high population growth. Economic upward development is especially visible in larger cities.
However, this also goes hand in hand with the increasing consumption of sugary foods, such as soft drinks, chocolate bars and other sweets.
History & Political Context
A Country Between Trauma and Hope
1994 – The Genocide
In just 100 days, about one million people were systematically murdered. The genocide against the Tutsi left deep wounds in Rwandan society – families were torn apart, entire communities destroyed.
The international community largely watched without acting. This collective guilt still shapes the relationship between Rwanda and the West today.
"We do not forget. But we forgive to build a future together."
– Rwandan proverb on reconciliation
Today – The Path of Reconciliation
Over the past 30 years, Rwanda has undergone an unprecedented process of reconciliation. Perpetrators and survivors live side by side again today – supported by Gacaca courts (traditional community justice) and reconciliation programs.
The country shows the world: Healing is possible. But it requires time, courage and the absolute will to shape a common future.
Economic Upswing
Rwanda is characterized by high population growth and a young, dynamic population.
Economic upward development is especially visible in larger cities: Kigali is growing rapidly, technology startups are emerging, tourism is booming.
The urban-rural divide remains a major challenge. While urban centers prosper, rural regions struggle with lack of infrastructure and limited access to healthcare.
Our Approach: Partnership on Equal Footing
We do not come as experts with ready-made solutions. We come as partners who listen, learn and find ways together with the people on the ground.
The real expertise lies with our Rwandan colleagues – they know the challenges, the cultural circumstances, the local needs.
Our contribution: Resources, sharing knowledge and building sustainable structures together.
The Challenge
Increasing Caries
Despite prophylaxis in schools, caries is increasing due to sugary foods, soft drinks and sweets.
Expensive Treatments
Dentist visits and therapies, especially toothbrushes and toothpaste, are relatively expensive and costly for individuals despite public health insurance.
Long Distances
The distances for dental treatment are often very long – especially in rural regions.
Low Knowledge
Knowledge about dental health and medicine is very low in the population.
→ This is exactly where our work comes in.
Get Involved
Your support makes a difference
Donate
Every contribution helps – one-time or regular
- One-time or regular donation
- 100% goes to projects
- Tax deductible
- Donation receipt by email
Become a Member
Support us long-term as an association member
- Membership fee €50/year
- Regular updates from Rwanda
- Invitations to events
- Long-term support
Work Assignments
by arrangement
- For dentists & specialists
- Voluntary work assignment
- from one week on site
- Learning & exchange together
Donate directly and easily:
Every cent flows into our projects in Rwanda.
Bank Details
IBAN
DE80 3006 0601 0002 7658 37
BIC
DAAEDEDDXXX
Bank
Apotheker- und Ärztebank
People Behind Dental Roots
Health begins in the mouth – from Rhineland-Palatinate to Rwanda
Together for Rwanda
Board
Dr. Franz-Josef Ratter
Chairman
ZA Kurt Heners
Vice Chairman
ZÄ Cornelia Rieger
Secretary
ZTM Gerd Willersinn
Treasurer