Senate President calls for a review of Dentistry Practice in Nigeria

—-as nation marks 2014 oral health week
Senate President Senator David Mark has called for a review of Dentistry practice in Nigeria to broaden the scope towards a paradigm shift from limiting it to only treatment of diseased teeth to the care of the mouth .

This he said has become imperative in order to contain oral diseases now emerging as major public health problems in the country.

Senator Mark said such a review would ensure reduction in the burden of oral diseases especially in poor and marginalized populations.

Addressing a cross session of Nigerians at the commemoration of the 4th National Oral Health week in Abuja today , he stressed that the new scope would promote healthy life styles and reduce risk factors to oral health that arise from environmental, economic, social and behavioral causes.

The Senate President who spoke through his Chief of Staff , Senator Anthony Manzo listed other benefits of widening the scope of Dentistry to include development of oral health systems that equitably improve oral health outcomes, respond to people's legitimate demands and are financially fair.

Framing policies in oral health, based on integration of oral health into national and community health programmes as well as promoting it as an effective dimension for development policy of society as a key component of general health care.

Senator Mark reiterated that oral diseases are now emerging as major public health problems due to their high prevalence and incidence in all regions of the world, a development he said is worrisome and thus requires awareness and collective action.

Earlier, the Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan told the gathering that the National oral Health policy has provided the framework for the improvement of oral healthcare services for the Nigerian populace and an eventual development of our Heath system.

The policy, the minister explained recognizes oral health as an integral part of General health care in Nigeria.

Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Health, Linus Awute said oral health is now embedded in the national health strategic policy in Nigeria as a deliberate effort to promote oral hygiene among Nigerians.

Signed:
Paul Mumeh, Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate.

 
 
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