Dr. Tope Adeyemi, President of the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), has urged the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to reclassify and expand oral health services and raise their cost. Currently, NHIA subscribers get preventive care, pain relief, consultations, dental health education, fillings, and extractions.
Adeyemi also said the NDA helped create rules for the safe use of mercury-based dental products and supported using taxes on sugary drinks for oral health funding. He made these points at the 57th NDA conference in Enugu.
He added that the NDA is working to expand services and adjust pricing for oral health care in NHIA. The group also focuses on reducing mercury use and supporting the tax on sugary drinks for better oral health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says mercury can harm organs like the kidneys, skin, eyes, and lungs. It also notes that pregnant women exposed to mercury can affect their child’s development.
At the conference, Adeyemi discussed how technology can improve dental training by using skilled professionals, including those from abroad. He believes adopting technology will improve healthcare services.
He also highlighted the NDA’s work on the National NOMA Control Policy and the National Oral Health Policy. These policies aim to improve oral health for at least 50% of Nigerians.
Adeyemi praised states with a Directorate/Department of Dental Services and urged others to follow. He emphasized that all should work together to include oral health in primary healthcare centers. He encouraged everyone to adopt healthy lifestyles and focus on oral health.
Dr. Nneka Onyejaka, chairperson of the local organizing committee, mentioned how technology is being used to improve patient care and education in dentistry.
CREDIT:Allneeds,THE PUNCH
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