COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED by NDA 2018

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED BY THE NIGERIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION (NDA) AT THE END OF HER 51ST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING/BIENNIAL MEETING AND 1ST NATIONAL DENTAL SUMMIT (NDS), HELD AT D’ PALMS AIRPORT HOTEL, AJAO ESTATE AND THE SICKLE CELL CENTRE, IDI ARABA, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA FROM THURSDAY 25TH OCTOBER TO FRIDAY 26TH OCTOBER, 2018.

BACKGROUND:

The Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) is the authoritative national voice of Dentistry, a non-governmental and non-profit oriented organization, dedicated to the representation and advancement of dental profession. The association works in close partnership with stakeholders in oral health care, which includes; States and Federal Ministries of Health, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Local/International Health Agencies, Oral Care Product Manufacturers/Marketers etc, in pursuit of effective oral care delivery system and attainment of optimal oral health in Nigeria. NDA is affiliated to FDI (Federation Dental International) ARO (African Regional Organization of FDI) and the Common Wealth Dental Association. The affairs of the association is run by elected executive members who render account of stewardship at Annual General Meetings of the association..

The Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), held her 1st National Dental Summit (NDS) at D’Palms Airport Hotel, Ajao Estate, Lagos State, on Thursday, 25th October 2018. The Summit which had as its theme: ‘Rebranding Dentistry in Nigeria’, was convened to deliberate on the State of the Dental Profession, Dental Practice and Nigeria’s healthcare system. Over 300 participants from within and outside Nigeria (including other professional groups within and outside the health sector, as well as representatives of Nigerian Medical Professionals in the Diaspora), attended the Summit, which was formally declared open by Distinguished Senator (Dr) Olorunnimbe Mamora.

The opening ceremony of the Summit which was chaired by Senator (Dr) Olorunnimbe Mamora, MD NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY, had Dr Jide Idris, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Lagos State represented by Dr Olubunmi Okunnu, as the Chief Host and also had in attendance the Registrar of The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria Dr.T.A.B. Sanusi, Dean Faculty of Dentistry Bayero University Kano Prof.R.A. Adebola, Director Dentistry Division, Federal Ministry of Health Dr.B.O. Alonge, MD Nene Dental Clinic Ikeja Dr. Ladun Ibidapo and MD/CEO Ajeromi General Hospital lagos/Past President NDA Dr. O.A. Orebanjo. Other stakeholders in attendance include; representative of the Registrar, Dental Therapist Registration Board and Mr. Abibu; MD Pharmadeko Nigeria PLC.

It is also noteworthy that the Summit had a significant number of Journalist from both the print and electronic media at the event who provided adequate coverage of the events at the momentous National Dental Summit.

NATIONAL DENTAL SUMMIT OBJECTIVES:

The key objectives of the National Dental Summit were:

1) To develop strategic plans to rebrand the Dental Profession;

2) To develop a practical framework for making Nigeria’s Dental Healthcare delivery more effective and efficient;

3) To develop feasible strategies to redefine relationships within NDA and affiliated Organisations.

There were two Keynote Speakers for the Summit. Prof. R. A. ADEBOLA, Dean Faculty of Dentistry, Bayero University Kano, delivered the Guest Lecture on the Summit’s theme: ‘Rebranding the Dental Profession in Nigeria: the Public Sector Perspective’. He advocated a change in our message from curative to preventive and promotional to create awareness. Broadening of training scope on entrepreneurship, organization and management services as well as financing, unity and collaboration. The second Keynote Speaker, Dr. LADUN IBIDAPO, MD of Nene dental centre, Ikeja delivered the Second Guest Lecture on the Summit’s theme: ‘Rebranding the Dental Profession in Nigeria: the Private Sector Perspective’. He emphasized the need for training of clinical and non-clinical staff, understanding patient’s expectation and experience, Investment in self and the acquisition of new equipment and technology

Aside from the Summit Keynote Speakers, there was an array of distinguished resource persons and discussants drawn from diverse professional fields and organizations including the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) Dr. T.A.B. Sansui, who lectured on the subthemes: ‘Eradicating quackery in dental practice’ and ‘ Dentistry and the regulatory bodies’. He affirmed that the Council through the Inspectorate Department and the Director of Medical Services of various States have been making unrelenting efforts in stemming the rising cases of quack doctors in Nigeria, but because of the criminal nature of most of these cases, they have to be investigated and prosecuted through the Nigerian Police. Dr Amy Shumbusho, the MD/CEO of Smile 360 who delivered a lecture on the subtheme: “Beyond Dentistry, Rebranding Dentistry in Nigeria’’, emphasized the need to change the inadequate awareness about the need for oral health, the fear of the Dentist and the perceived suboptimal quality of care and treatment options available in the Country. DR B.O. Alonge discussed the national oral health policy and she identified policy gaps, funding, political will, ignorance and recommended more involvement of funding stakeholders and increased awareness on its implementation.

THE 51ST BIENNIAL GENERAL MEETING

THE 51st Biennial General Meeting of the NDA held on Friday 26th October, 2018 at the Sickle Cell Centre, Idi Araba, Lagos State. Key issues on the agenda included NDA Constitution Review, Professional relationship with the Nigerian Medical Association, Nomination of representatives for the Nigerian Dental Association into statutory organisations and election of new national officers for the NDA.

OBSERVATIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

After the Keynote Lectures and presentations and after broad-based discussions at the 51st Biennial General Meeting, the following Resolutions were made:

  1. CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE: The House congratulated Dr. T. A. B. Sanusi on his appointment as Substantive Registrar MDCN and commended his hands on approach to leadership at the council. His immense contribution towards the advancement of Nigerian Medical and Dental Profession was also applauded.

  2. GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE MEDICAL AND DENTAL COUNCIL

The House calls on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency reconstitute the Board of MDCN and implored the Committee on review of the MDCN act to expedite action on its amendment.

  1. PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE NMA AND NDA: The Summit deliberated extensively on the relationship between NMA and NDA. Participants unanimously expressed discontentment at the following:

  1. Payment of 70% of Annual Practicing Fee to NMA without the remitting of any amount to NDA.

  2. Setting up of standing Dental Health Committee by NMA without recourse to NDA.

The House therefore resolved to:

  1. Write a succinctly worded letter of protest to the NMA to register the Association’s displeasure at these unfortunate developments and to affirm that justice and fairness prevail.

  2. Set up a high powered committee by the National Executive Council, to engage NMA on above stated injustice and irregularities.

  1. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT: The House took a critical look
    at     the current NDA constitution and identified some loopholes in the document. A constitution review committee was constituted with nine members and they were mandated to consult widely with all interest groups in the NDA. Part of the committee’s terms of reference is to present a preliminary draft of the amended constitution at the next general meeting for ratification. A past president NDA (Dr. Oluwarotimi Clement) was nominated to serve as the chairman; Dr. Elias Emedom as Vice Chairman and Dr. Victor Nwabudike as the Secretary. Other members were Dr.Oladimeji A. Akadiri, Dr. E. O. Oyetola, Dr.Chibuzo C. Uguru, Dr. Yetunde Oludare, Dr. Abdullahi Biu and Dr.Veronica Dinyain.

ELECTION INTO THE 2018-2020 EXECUTIVE YEAR OF NDA

The 2016/2018 Executive Council was dissolved after conclusion of deliberations at the Biennial General Meeting. After a peaceful, free and fair electoral process, the following members of the association were elected into the 2018/2020 Executive Council of the Nigerian Dental Association

  • Dr. Omoshibo Evelyn Eshikena – President

  • Dr. Kolawole Obagbemiro – Vice President

  • Dr. Victor I. Nwabudike – Secretary General

  • Dr. Uyi Idah Ekowmenhenhen – Assistant Secretary General

  • Dr. Yetunde Oludare (Williams) – Public Relation Officer

  • Dr. Oladunni Ogundana – Treasurer

  • Dr. Dauda Feyisike Funmilayo – Financial Secretary

  • Dr. Lillian Enone – Chairman Products Committee

  • Dr. Franklin Abhulimen – Chairman Welfare Committee

  • Dr. Tope Emmanuel Adeyemi – Chairman Research/Scientific Committee

  • Dr. Gbenga O. Arogunre – Chairman, Continuing Dental Education . and Practice Committee.

  • Dr. Elias Martins Emedom – Chairman, Ethics and

Constitution Committee

  • Prof. A. Olubayo Fasola – Editor-in-chief Nigerian Dental

Journal

  • Dr. Olabode Ijarogbe – Immediate Past President

APPRECIATION
The President of the NDA, Dr Omoshibo Evelyn Eshikena, and the National Executive Council and entire membership of the Nigerian Dental Association greatly appreciate Dr Jide Idris, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Senator (Dr) Olorunnimbe Mamora, MD NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY for their physical presence and support for the Summit. We also express our profound gratitude to the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Professors, our Distinguished Resource Persons, Past Presidents of the Nigerian Dental Association, Dental elders and Illustrious Dental Practitioners of all cadres and ages, Professional Colleagues, Oral Care Product Manufacturers/Partners (Unilever Nigeria PLC, GSK Consumer PLC, Procter & Gamble, Healthline Limited, Daraju Industries Limited, Colgate Palmolive, Pharmadeko Nig. PLC) and gentlemen of the press; who not only graced the occasion but also contributed in no small measure to the success of the 51st Annual General Meeting and 1st National Dental Summit.

Long Live Nigerian Dental Association!

Long Live Federal Republic Of Nigeria!!

DR. EVELYN ESHIKENA DR. VICTOR NWABUDIKE

PRESIDENT SECRETARY GENERAL