STAKEHOLDERS CALLS FOR COLLABORATION AND UNITY AS FACTORS TO GROW DENTAL TECHNOLOGY PRACTICE IN NIGERIA
The summit commenced with goodwill messages from various dignitaries, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, patient satisfaction, and accountability in the practice of dental technology. These messages set the tone for a productive and engaging discussion on the past, present, and future of the profession. The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Col. Chukwu Ogukwe Obasi, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and participation, highlighting the absence of trust, lack of commitment to patient satisfaction, and avoidance of accountability as major challenges facing the profession. In an interview with newsmen from the National Assembly, he urged them to continue supporting the Dental Technologists Registration Board of Nigeria (DTRBN) in its regulatory efforts.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, delivered a keynote address that underscored the core duties of dental technologists in improving patients' smiles and managing rehabilitative healthcare. He emphasized the need for professionalism, embracing modern techniques, and regulating the activities of members to prevent quackery. The minister also encouraged the DTRBN to maintain accurate records of registered members and to use the summit as a platform for knowledge sharing and networking. His words resonated with the audience, highlighting the critical role of dental technologists in the healthcare system.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Kachollom Shangti Daju, praised the organizers for hosting the summit and urged them to make it an annual event. Her sentiments were echoed by Hon. Bassey Adika, representing the Speaker and the House Committee Chairman on Hospital Services, who assured the legislators' continued support for the DTRBN in its regulatory efforts. These endorsements underscored the importance of collaboration between the government, regulatory bodies, and professional associations in advancing the profession.
The Registrar/Chief Executive of the DTRBN, Mallam Idris Ahmad Bappa, delivered opening remarks, thanking stakeholders and dignitaries for their presence. He highlighted the establishment of the DTRBN under the Act Cap D6 of 2004 (formerly Decree 43 of 1987) and its role as the sole regulatory body for dental technology practice in Nigeria. The DTRBN's efforts in promoting professionalism, regulating the profession, and ensuring adherence to standards were acknowledged and commended.
One of the highlights of the summit was the presentation of awards to deserving practitioners, recognizing their contributions to the profession. The Emir of Dutse was named the Brand Ambassador for the DTRBN, a testament to the board's growing influence and recognition. Other notable awardees included the Gombe State Governor, the Minister of State for Health, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, among others. These awards not only acknowledged individual achievements but also underscored the importance of collaboration and support from various stakeholders.
The summit's theme, "DENTAL TECHNOLOGY PRACTICE: The Past, Present, and Future," provided a framework for discussing the profession's progress, challenges, and future directions. The past decade has seen significant advancements in dental technology, with innovations in materials, techniques, and equipment improving patient care and outcomes. However, despite these advancements, the profession still faces challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of awareness about dental technology, and quackery.
The present state of dental technology practice in Nigeria is characterized by a growing demand for dental services, driven by increasing awareness about oral health and the importance of aesthetic dentistry. However, the profession still faces challenges, including inadequate regulation, lack of standardization, and inadequate training and education. The DTRBN has made significant efforts to address these challenges, including the development of standards and guidelines for practice, accreditation of training programs, and registration of practitioners.
The future of dental techn
ology practice in Nigeria holds much promise, with opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration. The summit's outcomes, including recommendations and resolutions, are expected to shape the profession's future directions. The emphasis on teamwork, patient satisfaction, and accountability, as well as the need for modernization, regulation, and standardization, will likely guide the profession's development in the coming years.
The Maiden Dental Technologists Summit marked a significant milestone in the history of dental technology practice in Nigeria. The summit's theme, "DENTAL TECHNOLOGY PRACTICE: The Past, Present, and Future," provided a framework for discussing the profession's progress, challenges, and future directions. The outcomes of the summit, including recommendations and resolutions, are expected to shape the profession's future directions.
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