Professor Sofola Advocates National Oral Health Survey, Systemic Reforms in Nigeria

Renowned Professor of Community Dentistry at the University of Lagos, Professor Oyinkansola Olulola Sofola, has called for a national primary oral health survey to generate credible data critical for strategic planning and policy development in oral healthcare across Nigeria.

Delivering the 4th inaugural lecture of the 2024/2025 academic session, titled “The Healthy Mouth: A Collaborative Framework of Personal and Public Responsibilities – The Essence of Dental Public Health,” Professor Sofola emphasized the urgent need to prioritize oral health as a cornerstone of overall well-being. She stressed that oral diseases, though preventable, remain prevalent due to lack of awareness, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and systemic inequities.

The event, held at the J.F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium on December 4, 2024, saw Professor Sofola advocate for a harmonized approach combining personal preventive measures and robust public health strategies. Highlighting dental plaque as a leading cause of oral diseases and its connection to broader non-communicable diseases, she urged Nigerians to adopt daily oral hygiene practices and healthy lifestyle choices to combat these issues.

Professor Sofola, a former Dean of the Faculty of Dental Sciences, identified systemic challenges, such as the uneven distribution of oral health professionals and inadequate funding for oral healthcare services, as key barriers to progress. She proposed integrating oral health into Nigeria’s primary healthcare system by training community health workers in basic oral care and establishing outreach programs to serve underserved areas.

“These measures are essential for equitable access to oral healthcare services across the country,” she asserted, adding that maintaining high-quality services requires effective infection control measures in dental clinics and targeted policy interventions to attract young professionals to the field of dentistry.

The professor’s lecture also highlighted the importance of collaboration among individuals, healthcare providers, policymakers, and educators to ensure optimal oral health. “Balancing personal preventive practices with robust public health strategies is key to building a healthier future for Nigerians,” she said.

A distinguished academic and researcher, Professor Sofola has made significant contributions to dental public health through her work on infection control, dental education, and integrating oral health into maternal and child healthcare. Her career has been marked by numerous accolades, including top honors in her Master of Public Health program and groundbreaking research in the field.

The lecture, which she dedicated to the memories of her mother and husband, reaffirmed her commitment to advancing oral healthcare and ensuring equitable access for all Nigerians.