Overview & Mission

The Zimbabwe Academy of Dental Nursing (ZADENU) was founded in 2018 as a non-profit initiative to provide structured training for Dental Surgery Assistants (DSAs) in Zimbabwe. Its mission is to raise professional standards in dental auxiliary practice by combining academic knowledge with hands-on training. The academy is registered with the Higher Education Council (HEXCO) under registration number 1537.

Programmes & Qualifications

ZADENU offers several programmes with different levels of accreditation and duration:

Programme Duration / Format Accreditation / Certificate Typical Fee (USD)
National Diploma in Dental Surgery Assisting (ND DSA) 2 years (block release / modular) HEXCO Diploma ~4,000
ZADENU In-House Diploma (DSA) ~20 months Internal certificate ~2,800
Certificate in Computer Operations / Packages ~4 months (weekend classes) Computer certificate ~400
Nurse Aide / Nursing Assistant Training ~3 months Certificate ~310
Key Features

The HEXCO diploma is the more formal option; the in-house diploma caters for those who do not meet HEXCO entry requirements.

Students attend face-to-face seminars every few months, supported by digital modules.

Clinical training is carried out through On the Job Education & Training (OJET) at approved dental clinics or hospitals.

Students are assessed through written exams, oral tests, practical demonstrations, and audits.

Admission & Entry Criteria

For the HEXCO diploma, applicants need five O-Level passes at grade C or better, including English, Mathematics, Science, and two other subjects.

There is no age limit.

Those who don’t meet requirements may start with the ZADENU in-house diploma as a pathway.

International students must secure a suitable dental facility in their home country for clinical attachments.

Accreditation, Recognition & Career Prospects

The National Diploma is formally accredited by HEXCO.

ZADENU is supported by professional and academic bodies in the dental sector, with oversight from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education.

Graduates are not yet registered with the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe, since no statutory framework for DSA registration exists.

Despite this, graduates have consistently found employment, often during or soon after training.

The diploma also provides a stepping stone toward further studies in dental therapy or related health programmes.

Leadership & Governance

Founder / Academic Director: Dr Farayi Shakespeare Moyana, a dental surgeon and bioethicist with advanced degrees.

Operations Director: Mrs Irene Kuda Moyana, a qualified dental therapist.

The academy works with voluntary contributors, including module writers and dental practitioners.

Logistics & Facilities

Head Office: 60 Baines Avenue, Medical Chambers, Harare.

Secondary Office: Borrowdale Dental Surgery, Borrowdale, Harare.

Limited accommodation is available in Domboshava (25 km from Harare CBD) for out-of-town students.

Students are responsible for uniforms, protective gear, and accommodation costs.