Neoderma Clinica is among the healthcare facilities contributing to this shift. The clinic, based in Kibagabaga, Kigali, was founded with a focus on combining science, aesthetics, and patient care. Today, it offers services in aesthetic treatment, dermatology, plastic surgery, and dentistry.

IGIHE spoke with Dr. Burhan Dini Hirwa, a dental surgeon at Neoderma Clinica, about oral health, patient behaviour, and the role modern dentistry plays in confidence and quality of life.

Neoderma Clinica was founded with a focus on combining science, aesthetics, and patient care. Today, it offers services in aesthetic treatment, dermatology, plastic surgery, and dentistry.

Wide range of dental services

The clinic, Dr. Hirwa noted, handles both basic and advanced dental care, including preventive care, restorative treatment, orthodontics, oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry.

Preventive care includes cleaning, scaling, sealants for children, and oral hygiene education. Cosmetic services include teeth whitening and veneers, both direct and lab-made.

The clinic also treats misaligned teeth using braces and clear aligners, and carries out procedures such as tooth extractions and dental implants. Restorative work includes fillings, crowns, and bridges for damaged or missing teeth.

Early visits make a difference

According to Dr. Hirwa, many patients only seek dental care when they are already in pain, an approach that often leads to more complex and expensive treatment.

"It is important to start dental visits early, even when the first teeth come in. Regular check-ups help us monitor development and prevent serious problems later," he explained.

Early care, he added, leads to better outcomes and simpler treatment plans.

Oral health and confidence

Dr. Hirwa notes that oral health problems can significantly affect confidence in everyday life. One common issue is bad breath, often linked to poor oral hygiene.

"It can affect people socially and psychologically," he observed.

The clinic addresses this through education on proper brushing techniques and daily care. Patients also seek treatment for stained teeth caused by habits such as smoking or frequent coffee consumption, with whitening procedures offering visible improvement.

Orthodontic treatment, veneers, and implants are also used to restore both appearance and function in patients with crooked or missing teeth.

"These treatments help patients feel more comfortable with their smiles," Dr. Hirwa stressed.

What sets the clinic apart

With more dental clinics opening in Kigali, Dr. Hirwa emphasises that Neoderma Clinica focuses on service quality and cosmetic dentistry.

"Our focus is patient care and specialised cosmetic treatment, especially whitening, veneers, and orthodontics," he stated.

The clinic aims to ensure patients receive consistent care from the moment they arrive to the end of their treatment. First-time visitors can expect a structured and welcoming process.

"We aim to give patients the best possible service from reception to consultation and treatment. We want to meet their expectations and help them achieve what they came in for," he affirmed.

Teaching proper oral hygiene

During the interview, Dr. Hirwa demonstrated brushing techniques using a dental model, stressing that technique matters more than force.

"A soft toothbrush is best. What matters most is how you brush," he advised.

He recommends starting at the gum line and using gentle vertical strokes across all surfaces of the teeth, including inner, outer, and chewing areas, and also cleaning the tongue to reduce bacterial buildup.

Daily oral care routine

Dr. Hirwa advises brushing twice a day: after breakfast and before bed.

"Brushing at night helps remove food particles accumulated during the day, while brushing in the morning clears out the bacteria and plaque that multiplied while you sleep,” he explained.

He recommends using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for adults and a smaller amount for children, brushing for three to five minutes with gentle movements. He also cautions against rinsing immediately after brushing, as fluoride continues to protect the teeth.

"Spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse. It helps protect your teeth for longer," he urged.

Dr. Hirwa encourages people not to wait for pain before visiting a dentist.

"One visit every six months is enough to prevent many problems. Early care is always easier than emergency treatment," he concluded.

For Neoderma Clinica, oral health should be maintained regularly, not only treated when problems arise.

The clinic is located at Covenant Plaza in Kigali's Kibagabaga neighbourhood.