Building Bridges: Student Connections Through Shared Passion for Public Health

This is a guest post by Anna Smith, a BDS 5 student at the University of Birmingham, UK, and Mutoni Bisetso, a BDS 5 student at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Malawi

Anna’s perspective

During my elective in Malawi, one of the most rewarding parts of the journey was connecting with fellow dental students at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS). Thanks to Benjamin Williams (BDS 5, KUHeS), I was introduced to Mutoni Bisetso, a fellow BDS 5 student.

Mutoni soon became an invaluable helper in my elective. Not only could she help with the logistics through driving, but she also brought support, cultural understanding and perspective that shaped the work we did together.

A visit to the Beehive feeding programme, where we did an oral health demonstration at St James Church, was our first joint activity. I had initially visited there alone, but having the added support made the experience better for myself and the children, as Mutoni was able to translate to Chichewa and apply her clinical knowledge:

At Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Campus, we held a mother oral hygiene teaching session alongside a discussion, Although a little nervous at first, Mutoni quickly stepped into the role of facilitator. She translated discussions, answered questions, and led the conversation with warmth and confidence. Watching her fall so naturally into this role was truly inspiring:

Of course, our time together was not only about work. We enjoyed dinner at Max & Sherry, one of Blantyre’s popular spots …

… and spent a memorable afternoon on a game drive at Game Haven safari drive, Blantyre:

These moments helped grow our friendship.

Later, when I was back in Birmingham and preparing my application for the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders (AOHAB) Student Leadership in Global Oral Health Class of 2026, I encouraged Mutoni to apply too. To our delight, we were both accepted, a testament to how shared interests and collaboration can grow into shared opportunities.

Mutoni’s Perspective

I first met Anna at the Premed Welcoming Function, a colourful event where she was one of the guest speakers. From a distance I listened to her speak, and thought to myself, “What a brave girl”. Her story that night gave me hope for my own future, because I realised I wasn’t alone in feeling uncertain about which path to take in my career .

The next day, my classmate Benjamin Williams asked if I could drive Anna to Chilomoni. For me, this was a chance to get to know her more closely. From translating for her, to sharing my heart on oral health education with young mothers at Beehive, something opened inside me. Anna helped me see more clearly the path I might take in my career. With only a few days left before travelling back to Lilongwe, I chose to make the most of every moment with her. 

Meeting Anna didn’t just bring inspiration and friendship it also came with opportunities. She shared with me the application for the AOHAB Student Leadership course, and by God’s grace, I was accepted. This was a turning point, and I remain deeply grateful to Anna for encouraging me.

Looking forward, I am excited to work alongside Anna again when she returns for her project next year, as I continue to grow in this career path and pursue my passion for public health.

Anna’s Reflection

This story is just one example of how connections between students can grow into opportunities for collaboration, learning, and shared impact. By supporting each other, we can open the door to new possibilities in oral health and beyond.