About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the South African Sports Dentistry Association is to lead the advancement of sports dentistry in South Africa by championing education, clinical excellence, research, and collaboration. We exist to support and empower dental professionals who work with athletes, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver the highest standard of oral healthcare in sporting environments.
We are committed to promoting the prevention, assessment, and management of sports-related oral and maxillofacial injuries, while also recognising the broader impact of oral health on athletic performance, recovery, and long-term wellbeing. By fostering evidence-informed practice and encouraging ongoing professional development, we aim to raise standards of care across all levels of sport.
SASDA actively advocates for the inclusion of sports dentistry within multidisciplinary sports medicine teams, strengthening collaboration between dental professionals, medical practitioners, therapists, coaches, and sporting organisations. Through research, education, events, and strategic partnerships, we seek to build awareness, influence policy, and contribute to the growth and recognition of sports dentistry both nationally and internationally.
Ultimately, our mission is to protect athletes, support clinicians, and ensure oral health is recognised as an integral part of athlete health and performance—on the field, in the clinic, and throughout an athlete’s career.
A Message from our Founders
Left to Right: Umair Mohammed, Bhavik Ganda, Imogen Johnson, Janesh Ganda, and John Haughey
SASDA was born from a shared passion for sport, dentistry, and people. Through our own journeys in athlete care, we repeatedly saw how powerful good oral health can be—yet how often it’s overlooked. We also saw an opportunity to bring like-minded professionals together and create something supportive, meaningful, and lasting.
The South African Sports Dentistry Association is, at its heart, a community. A place for dental professionals who care deeply about protecting athletes, sharing knowledge, and continually learning from one another. Whether you’re working pitch side, in clinic, or behind the scenes, SASDA exists to support you and to elevate the role of oral health within sport.
We want this association to feel welcoming, collaborative, and grounded in real practice—where experience is shared openly, ideas are encouraged, and everyone feels they belong. Together, we can raise standards, strengthen connections, and ensure athletes at every level receive the care they deserve.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We’re excited to grow SASDA together.
Bhavik, Janesh, Umair, John & Imogen
