Over 120m Nigerians have poor dentition – Orthodontists

• The NAO also expressed concern about the shortage of orthodontic professionals
• The expensive nature of orthodontic treatment was highlighted
  

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According to the Nigerian Association of Orthodontists (NAO), 60% of Nigerians, which amounts to over 120 million people, have poor teeth and jaw alignment. 

The NAO also expressed concern about the shortage of orthodontic professionals. Orthodontists are specialized in fixing misaligned teeth and jaws, and their work is vital in ensuring optimal oral health. Without proper treatment, these alignment issues can cause significant functional and psychological problems.

Addressing journalists shortly after its 17th Annual Conference with a focus on taking aesthetic orthodontics to the next level in Nigeria themed: Aesthetic Orthodontics: Rising to The Next Level in Nigeria,” the President of NAO, Dr Modupe Adeyinka, to date, they have only 69 registered orthodontic specialists, “With a teeming population of over two hundred million and less than a hundred practising orthodontists, there is obviously a dearth of orthodontists in this great country of ours.”

Adeyinka explained that many orthodontic practitioners have migrated abroad for various reasons, resulting in a shortage of professionals in the country. Currently, there are very few orthodontists working in private clinics, with some being employed in general hospitals.

She also highlighted the expensive nature of orthodontic treatment, which often requires surgery and is not a one-time procedure. As part of conference sponsorship, Smile Train trained 24 orthodontists in Basic Life Support training.

In terms of raising awareness about conditions that can affect teeth, she stated that it is important to prevent children from sucking their thumb, as this can also impact their dental health.

Adeyinka urged the Federal government to include orthodontists as primary providers under the Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), as it would greatly benefit individuals who cannot afford orthodontic treatment on their own.