In late 1979, Dr. Chapman was given a small room in the old outpatient building that had previously served as a minor theater. The initial resources were minimal—there was only an old dental chair and some extraction instruments. A significant breakthrough came when the widow of a German dentist donated her late husband’s dental equipment. This generous donation enabled the official opening of the Mengo Hospital Dental Clinic in March 1980.
At its inception, the clinic had a small staff, consisting of Dr. Chapman and a chairside dental assistant, Florence Musisi. As demand for dental services grew, the clinic expanded its capacity, adding another old chair and receiving support from local dentists like Dr. Deo Mawano. The official dedication of the clinic was conducted by the then-Church of Uganda Archbishop, Yona Okoth.
One of the biggest challenges faced in the early years was the procurement of dental supplies and equipment. With a limited budget, external support was necessary. Friends of Mengo (FOM USA) played a crucial role in sourcing dental supplies. Over time, the clinic expanded significantly, adding five more dental chairs with support from Dr. Vaughn Chapman.
By 1987, the department had gained prominence and started training dental interns from Makerere University Dental School. In 1990-91, Dr. Chapman took a sabbatical year at the University of Connecticut Dental School to gain experience in advanced dentistry. This training greatly contributed to the department’s ability to offer more complex dental procedures.
In 1993, with the assistance of Dr. Bruce Stewart and his brother Grimes, the clinic established a dental laboratory, a significant step toward enhancing restorative dentistry services. This expansion allowed Mengo Hospital to provide high-quality dental prostheses and other laboratory-based dental treatments.
In 1997, Dr. Chapman left for Orlando, Florida, for seminary studies and personal reasons. During his absence, Dr. Francis Ocheng took over as head of the department. A Canadian dentist, Dr. Brian Carr Harris, visited Mengo during this period and remarked that the clinic’s equipment was outdated. Around the same time, a retired missionary nurse envisioned a new, modern dental clinic filled with light, unlike the dark, cramped existing facility.
Dr. Carr Harris helped secure a significant grant from Rotary International to fund new dental equipment. Friends of Mengo USA took up the challenge of constructing a new dental clinic. The planning and construction were overseen by the Hospital Board Planning and Development Committee and later a dedicated Dental Clinic Building Committee.
Construction of the new clinic began in 2001, with much of the building materials sourced from within Uganda, except for specialized dental equipment imported from Canada. Despite delays in shipping, the equipment remarkably arrived on the same day as the Canadian team assigned to install it. This moment of divine timing was underscored by the inscription on the delivery truck: “With God, all things are possible.”
On March 11, 2005, exactly 25 years after the old clinic opened, the new Mengo Hospital Dental Clinic was officially inaugurated.
Since the opening of the new facility, the Mengo Hospital Dental Department has continued to grow. It now operates as a full-fledged department within the hospital and is largely self-sufficient in covering its operational costs. However, donations remain crucial for major capital expenditures and equipment upgrades.
The department has expanded its workforce and now employs:
- 15 dentists
- 3 dental officers
- 14 chairside assistants
- 1 laboratory technologist
- 3 additional lab assistants
- A dedicated team of support staff
A significant advancement in Uganda’s dental education occurred in August 2018 with the opening of the Uganda Christian University Medical and Dental School. Mengo Hospital is one of the institutions providing clinical training for dental students. Notably, among the pioneer students was the son of Dr. James Magara, one of the first dental graduates from Makerere University Dental School.
Today, the Mengo Hospital Dental Department continues to serve the community by providing essential dental care while also training the next generation of dental professionals. Through faith, perseverance, and the support of local and international partners, the department has become a beacon of quality dental healthcare in Uganda.
The journey of the Mengo Hospital Dental Department is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the power of dedication and service. What began as a small room with a single dental chair has evolved into a modern, well-equipped dental facility serving thousands of patients. Dr. Ken Chapman’s vision, along with the contributions of many others, has ensured that Mengo Hospital remains a leader in dental healthcare in Uganda.
The department continues to grow, adapting to new challenges while maintaining its commitment to compassionate, Christ-centered dental care.