To critique the Western epistemological foundations of oral health professionalism in Africa and propose an alternative informed by Ubuntu philosophy and grounded in Yorùbá knowledge.
Key Findings:
Oral health professionalism in Africa is influenced by colonial epistemologies that prioritize clinical detachment and exclude indigenous knowledge systems.
An Ubuntu-informed alternative emphasizes mutual vulnerability, clinical empathy, and ecological professional identity formation.
Transformations in curriculum, assessment, workforce policy, research, and governance are necessary to address epistemic injustices.
Interpretation:
Reimagining oral health professionalism requires recognizing that professional identity is formed through interdependent relationships. This integration of community knowledge is essential.
Limitations:
The study may not encompass all indigenous perspectives across Africa, limiting its applicability.
The focus on Yorùbá communities may restrict the generalizability of findings to other cultural contexts, as different communities may have unique practices and beliefs.
Conclusion:
Dental education must transform to cultivate practitioners who are accountable to their communities, viewing professionalism through a relational lens that emphasizes community engagement.
