UNN DEVELOPS AUTOMATED DENTAL CHAIR

Scientists at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, have recorded a major technological breakthrough by successfully designing and producing automated dental chair with locally sourced materials.

This was disclosed at the 60th UNN inaugural lecture entitled: 'Enhancing Healthy Human Life Through Bioengineering and Rehabilitation Medicine,' delivered by the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Prof. Chuba Okoye.

According to Prof Okoye, the dental chair was a whole-body balanced bed, which could easily be adapted for non-invasive intensive care monitoring, adding that it would require minimal maintenance if well developed.

He pointed out that the device would go a long way in enhancing the country's march to technological growth.

'With the availability of such semi-conductor device with relevant specifications, many simple electronic medical devices can be easily fabricated or assembled,' he said.

He described the success of the project as a monumental technological breakthrough in the 21st Century even as he thanked the former Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Chinedu Nebo for commissioning him, as well as funding the production of the dental chair at the Biomedical Engineering Research and Development Centre, College of Medicine, UNN.

Apart from the dental chair, the research team, led by Prof. Okoye also designed and developed multi-position hydraulic variable surgical operating table, solar energized phototherapy units, steam sterilizer, electric kerosene gas, non-invasive intensive care monitoring bed for developing countries, among others.

Following these achievements, the don, therefore, called for the establishment of a biomedical engineering research and production centre in the country to serve as a pragmatic solution to the intractable problem of healthcare equipment production.

He said the centre would ensure the provision of adequate trained manpower for the design, development, production, utilization of simple medical equipment, the availability of adequate number and quality of healthcare equipment and their spare parts for effective maintenance and repair.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Bartho Okolo, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Enugu campus, Prof. Mrs. Ifeoma Enemo, reiterated the commitment of the institution to invest in research work, saying that Prof. Okoye was the only Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine in UNN, and now a pride not only to the institution, but also to Africa.