13th September, 2011
Members of Nigerian Dental Association today join their counterparts all over the world to mark this year’s World Oral Day.
Speaking at a conference to herald the event, Dr. Oliver Orebanjo, the national president, said the day is being observed throughout the world to boost awareness on oral health and its impact on general health and well being.
Orebanjo acknowledged the poor oral health situation of average Nigerians, which he attributed to inadequate dental workforce to meet the dental needs of the people. He therefore called on government at all levels and stakeholders to embark on aggressive and sustaining enlightenment of Nigerian public on oral issues.
He commended the Federal Government for passing health bill into law, but called for full implementation of the policy, promising that the association will continue to work towards prevention, early detection and prompt treatment of oral diseases.
Orebanjo also advised government to give tax incentives to companies that support oral issues. This, he said, will encourage more organisations to partner with government on health matters.
Dr. Victor Nwabudike, publicity secretary of the association, said oral diseases share common risk factors with other noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and others.
He admonished Nigerians to cultivate the habit of brushing their teeth twice daily, mindful of what they eat and visit dentists twice in a year for healthy oral condition. Nwabudike said further that the rationale behind this year’s celebration with theme, Noncommunicable Diseases, is not unconnected with the involvement of the FDI in the United Nations debate on noncommunicable diseases under the aegis of the World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA).
—Paul Sanusi