Expert proffers solutions to rural dental care in Nigeria

Tosin Clegg

Renowned dental public health professional, Dr. Ehizogie Paul Adeghe, has thrown more light on the pressing challenges and potential solutions for improving oral healthcare in Nigeria.

With advanced residency training from Temple University and a Master of Public Health with a specialization in Epidemiology from Liberty University, Dr. Adeghe brings a wealth of experience to the table.

He holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Benin and has served in various roles, including senior dental officer and program coordinator, with a strong focus on epidemiology, public health program administration, and clinical research.

Dr. Adeghe highlighted several critical issues plaguing Nigeria’s oral healthcare system.

“One of the major challenges is the lack of access to dental care, especially in rural and underserved areas,” he explained.

This challenge is exacerbated by a severe shortage of dental professionals and inadequate public health infrastructure.

Moreover, a significant burden of untreated dental conditions, such as caries and periodontal diseases, persists due to a lack of resources and public awareness. Another critical issue is the insufficient integration of dental public health initiatives within the broader healthcare system.

“This hampers the effectiveness of preventive measures and health promotion programs,” Dr. Adeghe noted.

Additionally, the high cost of dental treatments and limited insurance coverage further hinder access to necessary services for many Nigerians.

Addressing the limited access to dental care in rural and underserved areas requires a multifaceted approach.

Dr. Adeghe emphasised the importance of increasing the number of dental professionals through targeted education and training programs.

“The government can provide incentives such as scholarships and loan forgiveness programs for dental students who commit to working in underserved areas,” he suggested.

Integrating mobile dental clinics and tele-dentistry services can also help bridge the gap in access by bringing care directly to remote communities.

“These services can provide preventive care, basic treatments, and health education, significantly improving oral health outcomes,” Dr. Adeghe said. Community-based health promotion and education programs can raise awareness about the importance of oral health and encourage preventive practices.

Drawing from his experience, Dr. Adeghe shared an example of a successful public health initiative. “During my residency at Temple University, I was involved in a dental public health promotion program at the William D. Kelly School dental clinic,” he recalled. The program focused on risk-based caries management and needs assessments among special needs children, significantly reducing the incidence of caries through targeted preventive measures and tailored education for caregivers. In Nigeria, Dr. Adeghe participated in a community outreach program providing free dental screenings and treatments to rural communities. “This program not only addressed immediate dental needs but also educated the community on the importance of maintaining oral hygiene and regular dental visits,” he said.

Dr. Adeghe highlighted the pivotal role of technology in improving dental public health in Nigeria. “Tele-dentistry can revolutionize access to care, especially in remote areas where dental professionals are scarce,” he stated. Mobile health applications can enhance patient compliance and engagement by facilitating patient education, appointment scheduling, and reminders. Additionally, electronic health records (EHRs) can improve the continuity of care by providing comprehensive patient histories accessible to all healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care.

Cultural competence is crucial in the provision of dental care in Nigeria, given the country’s numerous ethnic groups with distinct cultural practices and beliefs. “Cultural competence helps in building trust and improving patient outcomes,” Dr. Adeghe explained. Dental education programs should include comprehensive training on cultural awareness and sensitivity, and healthcare providers should engage with community leaders to incorporate culturally appropriate practices into care delivery.

Addressing the current state of dental public health research in Nigeria, Dr. Adeghe called for increased investment in research infrastructure and funding. “Collaboration between academic institutions, government agencies, and international organizations can enhance research capacity and provide access to global expertise and resources,” he suggested. Promoting interdisciplinary research and the dissemination of findings through conferences, journals, and public forums can help translate research into practice and policy.

To further enhance dental public health in Nigeria, Dr. Adeghe envisions several future initiatives. Establishing a national oral health surveillance system to monitor dental disease prevalence and evaluate public health interventions is crucial. Expanding community-based dental programs focused on prevention and early intervention can also significantly improve oral health outcomes. Increased collaboration between dental schools, government agencies, and international organizations can foster innovation and knowledge exchange.