Dr Matshediso Mothopi-Peri restores facial structures to rebuild confidence and dignity
Wits University's Dr Matshediso Mothopi-Peri helps patients with facial defects regain quality of life through maxillofacial prosthodontics.
Dr Matshediso Mothopi-Peri at Wits University specialises in maxillofacial prosthodontics, a field focused on rehabilitating patients who have lost facial structures due to cancer, trauma, congenital diseases, burns or infections. Her work helps restore patients' function, appearance and social confidence.
Starting her career as a diagnostic radiographer, Mothopi-Peri shifted to dentistry after observing the demanding schedules of medical doctors. She earned her Bachelor of Dental Science degree from Wits in 2001 and specialised in Prosthodontics by 2011. Since 2019, she has headed the Department of Paediatric and Restorative Dentistry at Wits, overseeing education, research and patient care.
Her department teaches dental students in simulated and clinical environments and treats paediatric and special needs patients at major Johannesburg hospitals. She also supervises postgraduate research in maxillofacial prosthodontics.
Mothopi-Peri emphasises the role of prosthodontics in reducing disease burden and improving quality of life by providing prostheses for missing teeth and facial structures such as eyes, noses and jaws. These interventions restore aesthetics and social interaction for patients who might otherwise face stigma and isolation.
She highlights prevention through good oral hygiene, healthy diet, regular dental check-ups and lifestyle choices to reduce risks like oral cancer. She notes the importance of managing general health conditions such as diabetes and HIV, which affect oral diseases.
Despite challenges such as the high cost of advanced prosthodontic treatments, Mothopi-Peri finds fulfilment in seeing patients regain happiness and dignity. She values opportunities to engage with peers locally and internationally to improve patient management.
The field is evolving with digital technologies including computer-aided design, 3D printing and computer-guided implant surgery, which promise to enhance treatment outcomes.
Sources
Source: Wits University
