Smile Haven puts the ‘care’ in dental care

Smile Haven Dental Clinic may have only opened its doors in early 2026, but it is already making its mark in Windhoek’s dental healthcare space.

Since its opening in January, the clinic has centred itself around a clear vision: dentistry should feel welcoming, compassionate and patient-centred.

One of the voices behind that vision is Dr Luusa Nuusiku Eliakim, a clinician at Smile Haven, whose work extends beyond the walls of the consulting rooms.

She described the clinic as "a space where people feel comfortable and understood, not judged or frightened by dental care."

Four months in, the clinic remains focused on blending clinical excellence with genuine care.

Education and prevention sit at the heart of that approach, Dr Eliakim said.

“Oral health is often separated from general health, but the truth is, they are closely connected. When people understand this, they are more likely to take prevention seriously."

Patient experience is a major priority.

Smile Haven has invested energy in creating a calm environment, particularly for patients who struggle with dental anxiety. “Many people come in nervous. Taking time to explain procedures clearly and listen to concerns makes a big difference," Dr Eliakim stressed.

While her clinical role allows her to treat patients directly, Dr Eliakim also plays an active part in public education.

Through media work, community engagement and social platforms, she shares practical advice to prevent dental problems before they start.

“Dentistry isn’t only about fixing teeth. It’s also about educating people so problems can be avoided altogether.”

Oral health community outreach

Social media has helped extend the clinic's reach beyond its walls.

“They allow us to speak to people who may never visit a dentist unless something is wrong,” Dr Eliakim noted.

Through an active online presence, Smile Haven works to address misconceptions and normalise conversations around oral health, an approach that has steadily built a growing digital community.

Community outreach is another pillar of the clinic's work. Through the Smile Haven Foundation, oral health education is taken directly into schools and surrounding communities.

In March, Smile Haven partnered with the Havana Foundation to educate young children and distribute basic oral hygiene items. “Early education is powerful, it sets habits that last a lifetime," Dr Eliakim said

Balancing clinical work with public engagement requires discipline, but for Dr Eliakim the two are inseparable. Public education, she says, is simply an extension of patient care.

Looking ahead, Dr Eliakim hopes to see Smile Haven reach more communities and strengthen preventive dentistry initiatives. “Healthcare professionals can be educators and advocates. That’s how lasting change happens.”