Beyond the Smile: Prof. Linda Okoye's Call to Prioritize Oral Health in Nigeria

ENUGU – Prof. Linda Okoye, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, has urged the federal government to prioritize oral health as an integral part of national development.

Okoye made the call during the delivery of the university's 236th inaugural lecture, titled “Beyond The Smile: The Myth, The Truth and the Control of Tooth Decay”. The professor of Restorative Dentistry highlighted the inadequate funding for oral health, noting that only 0.5% of the N2.48 trillion health sector budget is allocated to it. For context on health insurance reforms, see Nigeria's GIFSHIP initiative.

Recommendations for Government Action

Okoye called for the inclusion of basic preventive and restorative services in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), along with subsidies for vulnerable populations, particularly children and the elderly.

She further recommended that the government:

• Explore water or salt fluoridation through pilot programs, as endorsed by the CDC;
• Mandate school-based oral health programs in all primary schools;
• Regulate the marketing of cariogenic products to children with restrictions similar to those on tobacco and alcohol;
• Mandate clear sugar content labeling on all packaged foods and beverages.

“The government must mandate clear sugar content labeling on all packaged foods and beverages,” she said.

Okoye emphasized strengthening the health system by increasing training capacity for dental professionals, developing a mid-level cadre of oral health workers through dental therapy programs to address workforce shortages, and ensuring the availability of essential preventive supplies. Learn more from the WHO on oral health.

Individual Responsibilities

Okoye also stressed the role of every Nigerian in improving oral health outcomes, advising individuals to:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste;
• Limit sugar intake, especially sugar-sweetened beverages. See NIDCR guidelines;
• Reduce eating occasions to three to four times daily;
• Seek preventive dental care regularly.

Source: 236th Inaugural Lecture, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. Reported by Gideon Arinze.