In a country where dental care is often out of reach for many families, one Cape Town woman has given Mzansi something to smile about.
A plug worth sharing
Lifestyle content creator Sasha Leigh Allen went viral after she shared a TikTok video showing how locals can access free dental care in the heart of Cape Town. Her clip, posted on a Thursday in August 2025, quickly gained traction as she explained her own experience at the Hope Dental Clinic on Hope Street.
What made the video resonate was its honesty. Allen filmed her visit, showing how she got her teeth cleaned, a procedure that usually costs around R600 at private practices, without paying a cent. She revealed that services such as cleaning and extractions are offered free of charge, provided you bring your ID. Children under six can also be seen, but parents need to bring along their child’s clinic card and birth certificate.
What you need to know
The Hope Dental Clinic operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and Allen urged people to arrive as early as 5am to secure a spot. The young creator highlighted her dentist’s gentleness and even shared a quirky detail: 2Pac was playing in the background while her teeth were being cleaned.
The services are open to all South Africans, making it a rare lifeline in a country where public dental care is often stretched thin and private options remain unaffordable for many.
@sasha.allen_ Hope Dental Clinic on Hope Street = R0 cleanings + extractions 💸 Here’s what you need: ✔️ Bring your ID ✔️ Arrive early to book (first come, first served) ✔️ Kids extractions are free too ➡️ If they’re 1–6 years old, you must book ahead + bring their clinic book, birth certificate, and mom/guardian’s ID. I went today and my dentist, Mpumiii was amazing — she even had Tupac playing in the background 🎶 Iconic! 📍 Location: Hope Street, Cape Town City Centre, 8001 💡 Save this + share with someone who needs it! #capetown #freedentalservice #fyp #contentcreatorsouthafrica #explorepage ♬ Everybody Wants To Rule The World X Electric Love – darcy stokes
Mixed reactions from Mzansi
While many viewers thanked Allen for plugging them with the information, not everyone agreed. Some users commented that the clinic had poor reviews, while others defended it, saying they had only ever experienced kind service.
One TikTok user admitted she was quoted R1 500 for a wisdom tooth removal at a private practice but got it done for free at Hope Dental. Others pointed out that affordable or free services are also available at clinics in areas like District Six and Mitchell’s Plain, although appointments can be limited.
The bigger picture: dental care in SA
Allen’s video sparked more than just curiosity. It highlighted the uneven access to oral healthcare across South Africa. For many households, dental visits are seen as a luxury rather than a necessity, which means small issues often go untreated until they become emergencies.
Dentists like Dr Samantha Naidoo have previously stressed that parents must model good oral hygiene habits for their children, since kids learn more from what they see than what they are told. Free and accessible services like those at Hope Dental could make that easier, ensuring families don’t skip essential care because of costs.
A viral moment with real impact
What started as a casual TikTok vlog became something much larger: a reminder that sometimes the most valuable content online is practical information. Allen’s cheerful plug not only helped thousands of South Africans learn about a hidden gem, but it also opened a conversation about the importance of making healthcare more accessible to all.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: Clinihealth
