Professor Donna Chioma Pioneers Mercury-Free Dental Cement with Locally Sourced Materials

In a groundbreaking advancement for Nigerian dentistry, Professor Donna Chioma Umesi of the Faculty of Dental Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (UNILAG), has developed an innovative, mercury-free glass ionomer cement using locally sourced materials. The new material, created through a novel hydrolytic sol-gel method, offers a safe alternative to traditional dental amalgam, aligning with the global Minamata Convention on Mercury to reduce mercury usage.

Professor Umesi introduced this development during her 30th Inaugural Lecture titled, “A Restorative Dentist with a Flair for Public Health: Putting Beautiful Smiles on People’s Faces,” held at the J. F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG. Presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, the lecture was attended by family, friends, and members of the UNILAG community.

Driven by a commitment to public health and environmental safety, Professor Umesi’s innovation addresses the need for non-toxic dental restoratives. Traditionally, mercury-containing dental amalgams have been used to fill cavities, but these materials are being phased down due to health risks. Her mercury-free cement not only aligns with international standards but is also affordable and accessible within Nigeria.

Professor Umesi’s work has extended beyond clinical solutions; her research has influenced changes in dental education. She revised the curriculum for Junior Operative Techniques in UNILAG's Department of Restorative Dentistry, ensuring the SPICCES curriculum’s alignment with contemporary, sustainable dental practices, now incorporated in the new CCMAS Curriculum.

Throughout her lecture, Professor Umesi explored her contributions to dental public health, citing extensive oral health surveys using the World Health Organization’s methodology. Her research revealed prevalent dental issues in Nigeria, such as dental caries, gum diseases, and enamel discolorations caused by high fluoride intake among children. Her findings have spurred local production of low-fluoride children’s toothpaste, mitigating the risk of dental fluorosis.

A pioneer in cosmetic dentistry, Professor Umesi has also created a modified Hawley retainer that doubles as a partial denture, a cost-effective solution for patients needing both orthodontic retainers and tooth replacements. This innovation is already being used by orthodontic patients across Nigeria.

Born on September 16, 1966, Professor Umesi holds multiple degrees from UNILAG, including a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (1990), a Master’s in Public Health (1995), and a Master’s in Public Administration (2005). She began her career at UNILAG in 2001 and attained the rank of Professor in 2020.

UNILAG proudly recognizes Professor Umesi’s contributions, which not only enhance dental care within Nigeria but also inspire global progress in sustainable dental practices. https://unilag.edu.ng/?p=43899