First published manuscript from a Malawi trained dental surgeon: journey from undergraduate student research to published work

This is a guest post from Dr George Kafera. George was one of the first group of home-trained dentists to graduate from Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in April 2025. Throughout his time as an undergraduate student, George showed a great enthusiasm for dental research, and very recently his hard work and dedication have been rewarded with the publication of his first lead author paper in the scientific literature. George tells us of his experience in this guest post.

As one of the initial cohort of Malawi-trained dental surgeons, I am happy to announce that together with my colleagues Dr Ruth Kalimbira, Dr Peter Chimimba, Dr James Mchenga, and Prof Jeremy Bagg, I have successfully published a manuscript, where I served as the first author and principal investigator. The paper, in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry, represents a first for a Malawian trained dentist. This milestone is deeply humbling and marks an important step in the growth of oral health research in Malawi, reflecting my sincere passion for public health. I am writing to share my journey and express my deep gratitude for the opportunities I have been afforded.

Starting Small, Dreaming Big

This research journey began in 2022 when my colleague, Dr Ruth Kalimbira, and I collaborated on a study examining knowledge, attitudes and practices of primary school teachers towards oral health in Blantyre, as part of our Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree programme. This small-scale student project had methodological limitations and could not meet the requirements for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. However, it was a necessary step for us to graduate as dental surgeons from KUHeS and it became a foundation for growth. 

Trying Again —with Purpose and Guidance

In 2023 I redesigned and conducted the study independently, with Dr Ruth as a co-author in appreciation of her early contributions. Before beginning again, I sought mentorship that shaped the success of the project:

• Prof Jeremy Bagg had reviewed the earlier draft paper from our undergraduate project and gave honest feedback that it had major issues and would not withstand peer review. His insight encouraged a complete redesign, and his mentorship continues to guide me.
• Dr Peter Chimimba, MalDent Project coordinator in Malawi, helped strengthen the Introduction to my research protocol by integrating WHO oral health documents relevant to Africa.
• Dr James Mchenga, Head of the BDS Programme at KUHeS, continuously encouraged me to work hard and aim for publication.
• Further input from Clinical Research Education and Management Services (CREAMS), who reviewed and refined my proposal for methodological and ethical rigour, allowed me to proceed with confidence.

These contributions were brief, specific, and invaluable. Determined to improve, I personally funded and carried out a more rigorous study in Mchinji District. I collected data, performed statistical analysis, and wrote the full manuscript.

A Milestone Achieved

The study involved months of fieldwork and analysis.

After initial drafting and multiple revisions, I submitted the manuscript to Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry. The peer-review process was rigorous, but persistence paid off.

Today, I am honoured to share that the manuscript has been published:

This publication marks an important development for oral health research in Malawi and encourages me on my academic journey as an aspiring academician and public health scientist. 

You can read the full paper here.

Beyond this Publication

In addition, I have also participated as an author in the following published study on digital health:

 “Embracing change, moving with time: exploring the role of digital technologies and accelerators in promoting community oral health in Africa.”

This paper can be viewed here.

Another manuscript where I am the first author is currently going through the peer review process with the journal Advances in Medical Education and Practice. That paper is entitled “Knowledge, perspectives and interests of dental surgery students towards oral health policy in Malawi.” 

These experiences reinforce my passion for research, mentorship, and advancing oral health knowledge in Malawi and beyond.

Looking Ahead

This recent publication has fuelled my desire to pursue postgraduate studies, mentor young researchers, and contribute further to public health and oral health promotion. My goal is to grow into an academic who not only teaches but also produces evidence that transforms practice and policy.

To Young Researchers

Every setback is a lesson. Every attempt is progress. Persistence is your greatest asset.

Gratitude and Future Collaboration

My sincere thanks to the Scottish Government for funding the Dental School programme in Malawi, otherwise my colleagues and I would not have been here today.

These are fruits of your love for Malawi and I hope more will come out from your efforts. The ongoing Dental School will be even more impactful once the new building is finished – we really appreciate that. 

Many thanks also go to Dr Ruth Kalimbira, Dr Peter Chimimba, Dr James Mchenga and Prof Jeremy Bagg, whose guidance profoundly shaped this journey. I will continue to rely on your mentorship as I grow in research and academia.

Finally, I welcome collaborations, mentorship and partnerships from individuals or institutions interested in public health, oral health policy, and community-based research. You can find me on LinkedIn.