It was evident that this year’s edition of the World Oral Health Day which held on March 24, 2021, was well celebrated in a unique way. More impressive was the extended hand of partnership from other medical affiliate groups towards making the celebration one in town.
Speaking as the Chairman of the occasion, the MD/CEO of DESOPADEC, Bashorun Askia Ogieh ably represented by Dr. Mike Ekotogbor, said he was really impressed with the efforts of the Dental and Medical community to improve oral health status of Deltans and the world at large through these annual events.
He added that the efforts need to span beyond just a day’s event to a strategic community health outreach that could run at intervals throughout the year, thereby expressing the willingness and readiness of DESOPADEC to partner with the NDA to achieve these goals.
The special guest of honour and Chairman of Warri south local government area, Hon. Michael Tidi (PhD) who was equally represented by Mr. Hope Ighomore, congratulated the organizers of the WOHD, and stated his readiness to always support health geared programmes occuring within his domain.
The Guest Speaker, Dr. Anibor Ese, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Human Anatomy, Delta State University, during her guest lecture on the theme “Be Proud of Your Mouth”, enlightened the participants about the relevance of the Oro-facial structures, which she said mandates us to give adequate attention to their care and maintenance.
She also educated the audience of what harmful oral habits and substances where and how they cause harm to the body, of which tobacco, alcohol, refined sugar and carbohydrates, toppled the list.
Dr. Anibor further stressed the importance of routine dental visits.
In her welcome address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Dental Association, Delta State Branch (NDA Delta), Dr Mabiaku Yvonne appreciated all the participants who honoured the invitation to the programme, especially the students.
She informed the house of the relevance and key reasons for such programme. This she said was geared to target the entire populace, especially the younger generation, who can become oral health ambassadors to their immediate families and eventually the larger society.
Dr Mabiaku further told the participants that oral health challenges are better managed in their early stages, once detected; thereby encouraging the students present to consider a career pathway in Dentistry, because it was a noble and fulfilling career choice.
Meanwhile, on his own aspect of welcome address, the Chairman of the Dental Health Committee-NMA Delta, Dr Philemon Okolie, told the participants that oral health was more than just care of the teeth.
He emphasized the functionality of the jaws and the need for prompt response to jaw swellings, adding that it was cheaper to prevent oral infections than to treat them.
As part of the highlight of the celebration, Tooth brushes and Unilever tooth branded paste were distributed amongst other things.
In her thank you comment, Dr Nzeakwe Ngozi, Chairman of MWAN Delta State, said it was important to pay same relevance to one’s oral health just as we cared for all other parts of our body. She equally commended the NDA Delta State for putting together a successful outreach such as the World Oral Health Day.
