Dento-Medical Society Rwanda Non-Profit Health Society Est. 2024

Advancing oral and public health for Rwanda and beyond.

RDMS unites dental surgeons, dental therapists, medical doctors, and public health professionals to deliver integrated care, research, and policy advocacy across Rwanda. Free to communities. Member-supported.

Partner with RDMS See the work
Founded
RDB Code
143885158
Headquarters
Ngoma, Huye Southern Province, Rwanda
Our Story

Why RDMS exists.

In Rwanda, oral health has long existed at the margins of the national healthcare system: underfunded, underrepresented, and often invisible to the communities that need it most. Dental disease, though largely preventable, continues to affect children, adults, and vulnerable populations who lack access to even the most basic oral care.

RDMS was founded to confront this reality. Driven by the belief that oral health is inseparable from general health, we bridge dentistry and medicine, professionals and students, urban centres and rural districts. We operate from Huye and reach communities across Rwanda through field programs, research, education, and policy engagement.

RDMS at work in Huye, Rwanda

Our Mission

To unite dental surgeons, dental therapists, and public health professionals in advancing oral-systemic health through collaborative education, research, outreach, and policy advocacy.

RDMS Mission · 2024

What we stand for.

About RDMS
  • Transparency & Accountability

    Transparency & Accountability

    We operate openly: governance, finance, research, and community engagement. Trust is the foundation of everything we do.

  • Teamwork & Collaboration

    Teamwork & Collaboration

    Progress in oral health requires collective effort. We unite dental surgeons, dental therapists, medical doctors, and public-health professionals across disciplines and institutions.

  • Selflessness & Compassion

    Selflessness & Compassion

    Our work is driven by genuine care for the communities we serve. Patients and populations sit at the heart of every decision we make.

  • Equity & Equality

    Equity & Equality

    Quality oral healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Geography, income, or background should never determine the care someone receives.

  • Human Rights & Environment

    Human Rights & Environment

    We uphold the dignity of every person we serve, and recognise the deep link between human and environmental health.

Leadership

Meet the Team

Dedicated dental and medical professionals leading RDMS’s mission across Rwanda.

Igisubizo Jimmy Confiance

CEO & Founder

Igisubizo Jimmy Confiance

CEO & President, RDMS · Dental Surgeon

Dental professional and public health advocate committed to transforming oral healthcare access across Rwanda. Founder and driving force behind RDMS since its establishment in 2024.

Natukunda Sharon

Natukunda Sharon

General Secretary

Medicine

Dushimitanga Luc

Dushimitanga Luc

VP of Finance

Medicine

Kubwimana Steven

Kubwimana Steven

VP of External Affairs

Dental Surgeon

Mbagoroziki Samuel

Mbagoroziki Samuel

VP of Internal Affairs

Dental Surgeon

Lucretia Liza Gakire

Lucretia Liza Gakire

Founder at RDMS Research Academy

Research Coordinator & Evidence Based Activities, RDMS

Prof. Adedeji Ahmed Adebowale

Prof. Adedeji Ahmed Adebowale

Founder at Dental Medicine Chronicles DMC

Mentorship Council

Voices that shape RDMS

Senior clinicians and academics whose guidance steers our practice, research, and outreach.

Julienne Murererehe

Public Health Researcher, Kigali

Public-health work moves only when the data does. RDMS is teaching a generation to make that data argue for the people it counts.

What We Do

Six services across Rwanda.

From classrooms and rural districts to research desks and clinical fieldwork, RDMS delivers integrated oral health services that meet communities where they already are.

RDMS dental professional in white coat at a school classroom screening, students at desks, Rwanda 2024
School screening · Huye District Field service, 2024

01 Field Service

School-Based Dental Screenings

Systematic dental screenings at primary and secondary schools across Rwanda. Teams arrive with portable equipment, assess students, identify untreated caries and developmental issues, and connect families with local follow-up care. Visits include on-the-spot oral hygiene education for students and teachers, making schools a frontline of prevention.

  • Active in primary and secondary schools in Huye District
  • Portable equipment, free to community
  • Follow-up referrals to local dental services
Oral health education session in a Rwandan classroom, students and teacher at chalkboard

02 Education

Preventive Care Programs

Daily oral health messaging, fluoride application sessions, hygiene kit distribution, and community workshops on brushing, diet, and dental habits. Designed for schools, health centres, and community groups, with content tailored to both children and adults.

03 Research

Oral Health Research & Data Collection

Cross-sectional studies on disease prevalence, care access, and health behaviours across Rwanda. RDMS partners with academic institutions, hospitals, and international research bodies to build the evidence base for oral-systemic health policy reform.

RDMS dental professional working with patient at a mobile clinic field setup, Rwanda 2024
Mobile clinic · Rural deployment Outreach, 2024

04 Outreach

Community Mobile Clinics

Mobile dental units deployed into underserved rural and peri-urban communities. Free examinations, extractions, fluoride treatment, and oral hygiene supplies, delivered directly to people who might otherwise never see a dentist.

  • Active across rural districts
  • Free dental examinations and extractions
  • Oral hygiene supplies distributed on-site

05 Knowledge

RDMS Research Academy

Curated research lessons and continuing professional development for dental and health professionals.

06 Publication

Dental Medicine Chronicles

Clinical case studies, public health updates, and policy commentary from Rwandan dental and medical professionals.

Our Work

What's happening, in real time.

Active programs, recently completed work, and what's coming next. Tracked monthly, dated honestly, no roadmap fiction.

Active Now

  1. Research

    Oral-Systemic Health Baseline Study, Rwanda

    A cross-sectional research study documenting the prevalence of dental conditions and their systemic health correlations in Rwandan adults.

  2. Preventive Care

    Daily Oral Health Messaging Campaign

    Automated daily preventive care messages distributed to community members via SMS and social media platforms.

  3. Screenings

    Huye District School Dental Screening Drive

    Systematic oral health screenings across 7 primary schools in Huye District, identifying untreated caries and periodontal conditions.

Recently Completed

  1. Outreach

    Mobile Dental Clinic, Rural Outreach Q1

    Mobile dental unit providing free extractions, fluoride treatment, and oral hygiene kits to communities in underserved areas.

  2. Awareness

    World Ectodermal Dysplasia Day 2026

    Community awareness event raising support for individuals and families affected by Ectodermal Dysplasia in Rwanda and beyond.

Coming Next

  1. Training

    Interdisciplinary Health Workshop Series

    Training workshops for dental and medical professionals on integrating oral and systemic health in patient care.

RDMS Research Academy

Research, written for Rwanda.

A continuous-publication platform for clinical case studies, public-health surveys, and applied dental research from Rwandan dental and medical professionals. Evidence built where it’s needed, by the people who practice there.

  1. Oral-Systemic Health

    The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Diabetes: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

    Emerging data highlights bidirectional associations between periodontitis and glycaemic control, with implications for integrated care pathways.

    RDMS Research Team

  2. Preventive Dentistry

    Fluoride Varnish Efficacy in Primary School Children: A Systematic Review

    Synthesizes evidence on fluoride varnish application frequency and effectiveness against early childhood caries in low-resource settings.

    RDMS Research Team

  3. Ectodermal Dysplasia

    Dental Management of Ectodermal Dysplasia: Clinical Guidelines for Rwandan Practitioners

    A practical clinical guide for Rwandan dental professionals managing patients with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, including prosthetic and implant considerations.

    RDMS Research Team

  4. Oral Oncology

    Early Detection of Oral Cancer in Low-Income Settings: A Rwanda Case Study

    Reviewing current screening methods and community-based detection strategies feasible in Rwanda’s primary healthcare system.

    RDMS Research Team

  5. Dental Materials

    Glass Ionomer vs Composite Resin in Resource-Limited Settings: Clinical Comparison

    Comparing durability, patient outcomes, and cost-effectiveness of two restorative materials commonly available in Rwandan dental clinics.

    RDMS Research Team

Frequently Asked

Questions, answered.

Programs, partnerships, services, oral health basics. Still have a question? Write to us.

About RDMS

What is RDMS?
RDMS (Dento-Medical Society Rwanda) is a nonprofit, professional organization based in Ngoma, Huye, Rwanda. We unite dental surgeons, dental therapists, medical doctors, and public health professionals to advance oral and public health through outreach, research, innovation, and partnerships.
When was RDMS founded and is it officially registered?
RDMS was founded and registered on 1st July 2024 under the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) as a Non-Profit Limited by Guarantee. Our registration code is 143885158.
Where is RDMS based?
Our registered office is in Ngoma, Huye, Amajyepfo (Southern Province), Rwanda. Our programs reach communities across the country.
Who leads RDMS?
RDMS is led by CEO & President Igisubizo Jimmy Confiance (Dental Surgeon), supported by General Secretary Natukunda Sharon, VP of Finance Dushimitanga Luc, VP of External Affairs Kubwimana Steven, and VP of Internal Affairs Mbagoroziki Samuel.
What is RDMS’s mission?
To unite dental surgeons, dental therapists, and public health professionals in advancing oral-systemic health through collaborative education, research, outreach, and policy advocacy.
What is RDMS’s vision?
To become a multidisciplinary center of excellence for the integration of oral health and general health in Rwanda, ensuring a healthier nation through unified care and innovation.
Who can become a member of RDMS?
RDMS welcomes dental surgeons, dental therapists, medical doctors, public health professionals, and health sciences students who share our commitment to advancing oral and public health in Rwanda.
How can I contact RDMS?
You can reach us by phone at +250 791 853 120, by email at rdmspresident13@gmail.com or igisubizojimmy@gmail.com, or follow us on Twitter/X at @RDMS_rw.

Services

What services does RDMS offer?
RDMS offers six core services: School-Based Dental Screenings, Preventive Care Programs, Oral Health Research & Data Collection, the Dental Medicine Chronicles publication, the RDMS Research Academy, and Community Mobile Clinics.
Are RDMS services free?
Many of RDMS’s community outreach services, including school screenings and mobile clinic visits, are provided free of charge to the communities we serve. Contact us for details on specific programs.
How do I access RDMS’s dental services?
You can contact us directly at +250 791 853 120 or rdmspresident13@gmail.com to find out about upcoming programs, screenings, or mobile clinic visits in your area.
Does RDMS serve rural communities?
Yes. Our Community Mobile Clinics specifically target underserved rural and peri-urban communities across Rwanda, bringing professional dental care directly to people who lack access to fixed dental facilities.
What areas of Rwanda does RDMS cover?
While headquartered in Huye (Southern Province), RDMS conducts programs across Rwanda, including schools, health centers, rural communities, and university campuses nationwide.

School screenings

How does RDMS’s school dental screening program work?
Our teams visit schools with portable equipment, conduct dental examinations on students, identify conditions like caries and gum disease, and connect students needing follow-up care with local dental services. We also provide oral hygiene education on-site for students and teachers.
Which schools does RDMS screen?
We currently screen primary and secondary schools across Rwanda, with an active drive covering 7 schools in Huye District in 2026. We are expanding to more districts; contact us to request a screening for your school.
How can a school request a dental screening visit from RDMS?
Contact us at rdmspresident13@gmail.com or +250 791 853 120 to request a school visit and we will schedule a screening based on our program calendar.

Preventive care

What does RDMS’s preventive care program include?
Our preventive care programs include daily oral health messaging, fluoride application sessions, oral hygiene kits distribution, and community workshops covering brushing technique, diet, and dental habits, tailored for children and adults.
How can I receive RDMS’s daily oral health tips?
Follow us on Twitter/X @RDMS_rw or contact us at rdmspresident13@gmail.com to sign up for our daily preventive care messaging program.
What oral hygiene habits does RDMS recommend?
RDMS recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, limiting sugary foods and drinks, drinking clean water, and visiting a dental professional at least once a year for a check-up.
Does RDMS provide dental education for children?
Yes. Our school-based programs and preventive care workshops include age-appropriate dental education for children, covering brushing, diet, and why oral health matters from a young age.

Research Academy

What is the RDMS Research Academy?
The RDMS Research Academy is a structured educational platform providing dental and health professionals with access to curated research lessons, case-based discussions, and continuing professional development (CPD) content on oral and systemic health topics.
Who is the Research Academy for?
The Academy is designed for dental surgeons, dental therapists, medical doctors, public health professionals, and health sciences students in Rwanda who want to stay current with evidence-based practice.
How do I join the RDMS Research Academy?
Contact us at rdmspresident13@gmail.com or visit our website to express your interest in joining the Academy.
What topics does the Research Academy cover?
Topics include oral-systemic health links (e.g. diabetes and periodontitis), preventive dentistry, ectodermal dysplasia management, oral cancer detection, public health, and dental materials science, all with a Rwanda-specific focus.
What is the Dental Medicine Chronicles?
The Dental Medicine Chronicles is RDMS’s regular publication covering clinical case studies, public health updates, policy commentary, and innovations in dental medicine, written by and for health professionals in Rwanda.
How can I subscribe to the Dental Medicine Chronicles?
Contact us at rdmspresident13@gmail.com to subscribe and receive our latest publications directly.

Research & data

Does RDMS conduct research?
Yes. RDMS conducts and supports oral health research across Rwanda, including community surveys, clinical studies, and data collection on disease prevalence and care access. We collaborate with academic institutions, hospitals, and international research partners.
Can I collaborate with RDMS on a research project?
Absolutely. We welcome research partnerships with universities, health institutions, and international organizations. Reach out to rdmspresident13@gmail.com to discuss collaboration opportunities.
Does RDMS publish its research findings?
Yes. Our findings are shared through the Dental Medicine Chronicles and through collaboration with academic and research institutions.

Partnerships & donors

How can organizations partner with RDMS?
RDMS actively seeks partnerships with government institutions, NGOs, dental associations, hospitals, universities, and international health organizations. Email rdmspresident13@gmail.com to start a conversation.
How can I support RDMS as a donor?
We welcome financial and in-kind support from individuals and organizations who believe in advancing oral health in Rwanda. Contact us at rdmspresident13@gmail.com to discuss how you can contribute.
Does RDMS work with the Rwandan government?
RDMS engages with government health institutions and advocates for the integration of dentistry into Rwanda’s national health agenda through policy dialogues and evidence-based advocacy.

Events & campaigns

What events does RDMS organize?
RDMS organizes school screening drives, community mobile clinic missions, interdisciplinary health workshops, public awareness campaigns, and participates in global oral health observance days such as World Oral Health Day and World Ectodermal Dysplasia Day.
What is World Ectodermal Dysplasia Day and why does RDMS participate?
World Ectodermal Dysplasia Day is observed on 20 February each year to raise awareness about Ectodermal Dysplasia, a condition that significantly affects teeth development. RDMS participates to support affected individuals and families in Rwanda and to raise public awareness about the condition.
How can I attend or volunteer at an RDMS event?
Follow us on Twitter/X @RDMS_rw or contact us at rdmspresident13@gmail.com to stay updated on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

General oral health

Why is oral health important for overall health?
Oral health is directly linked to general health. Poor oral hygiene is associated with diabetes, heart disease, respiratory infections, and complications during pregnancy. Treating oral health as part of whole-body health, which is central to RDMS’s approach, leads to better outcomes for patients and communities.
What are the most common dental problems in Rwanda?
Dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal (gum) disease are among the most prevalent oral health conditions in Rwanda, particularly in children and underserved communities, which is why RDMS’s prevention and screening programs focus heavily on these conditions.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
For a dental emergency, seek care at your nearest health center or district hospital with dental services. You can also contact RDMS at +250 791 853 120 and we will direct you to the appropriate care provider in your area.

Get In Touch

Write to RDMS.

We’re glad to hear from anyone considering funding a deployment, partnering with us, joining the society, or bringing a clinical question to the team.

Notes addressed to the leadership team are read directly. We try to reply within five working days; partnership proposals and clinical referrals get faster turnaround.

You can write through the form, send an email, or call. We are based in Huye, Southern Province, and answer in English, Kinyarwanda, or French.

Igisubizo Jimmy Confiance

Founder & CEO, RDMS · Huye, Rwanda

Write to RDMS