NDA President Advices Members on Dental Health

The President of the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), Dr. Akanbi Olojede has charged members of the association in the country to adopt precautionary measures in order to deal effectively with dental and medical emergency conditions by equipping themselves with the necessary training, skills and equipment.

Olojede gave the charge in Lagos during the pre-conference press briefing of the 2nd Ordinary General Meeting and scientific conference with the theme: 'Management of emergencies in dental practice', which will hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Olojede noted that studies had shown that medical emergencies do occur in the dental practice; "therefore dentists should be prepared to handle emergency situations wherever it arises with the requisite facilities, because medical emergencies are likely to occur during and after local anesthesia which is primarily during tooth extraction and root fillings."

The NDA boss further stated: "Studies have revealed that in the United States and Canada, fainting is the most common medical emergency seen by dentists which is represented approximately by 50 percent of all emergencies reported in literature. "The most common event is mild allergy represented by only 8 percent of all emergencies. While others include allergic reactions, postural hypotension, seizures and diabetic emergencies."

He added that: "The management of all medical emergencies should ensure that oxygenated blood is being delivered to these critical organs. This is consistent with basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with which the dentist must be competent."

Olojede also tasked Nigerians on the need to maintain good oral health which he pointed out is key to preventing tooth decay and other gum diseases, while noting that with improved oral hygiene habits, better access to preventive care and modern dentistry treatments, more can keep their teeth longer in their adult lives.

Also speaking at the briefing, the Brand Manager, Oral Care Category Close-up and Pepsodent, Unilever Nigeria, Mrs. Tolu Okojie, expressed the continued desire of Unilever Nigeria to continue partnering with NDA to promote dental care and the overall health wellbeing of Nigerians, adding that tooth decay remains a major concern for children and adults in Nigeria and the world with about five billion people worldwide suffering from tooth.