Prof Bala Audu, NMA President
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the establishment of more dental faculties in colleges of medicine and specialised health universities nationwide to strengthen oral healthcare services.
NMA President Bala Audu made the call on Thursday at the 58th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Dental Association in Abuja. He highlighted the growing role of dentistry within the NMA and Nigeria’s healthcare system, noting that expanding dental education is essential to meet increasing demand for practitioners.
“Our colleges of medicine need more faculties of dentistry, as well as specialised health universities,” Audu said, stressing the need for advocacy from the NMA, NDA, and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. He also recommended at least one federal dental hospital in each geopolitical zone to broaden access to care and support students entering dental programmes.
Health Minister Ali Pate expressed commitment to enhancing professional development and improving doctors’ working conditions. He revealed plans to integrate oral care into the National Health Insurance Scheme, aiming to expand access to quality services.
In the keynote address, Olaniyi Taiwo noted that national oral health policies remain poorly implemented, with outdated survey data and underfunded surveillance systems hindering planning. NDA President Emedom Elias added that oral health is inseparable from general health and crucial for national productivity.
The conference emphasised the need for systemic reforms to enhance dental services and integrate oral health into Nigeria’s comprehensive healthcare framework.
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