Avoid unqualified dental practitioners, UBTH CMD warns Nigerians

President of the Nigerian Association of Orthodontists (NAO), Idia Ize-Iyamu, has urged Nigerians to avoid unqualified dental practitioners, and embrace professional oral healthcare to prevent complications arising from improper treatment.

Professor Ize-Iyamu made the call during the commemoration of the 2026 World Orthodontic Health Day, observed annually on May 15, where she highlighted the importance of proper orthodontic care in improving oral health and overall wellbeing.

She said orthodontic treatment plays a vital role in correcting dental irregularities, improving facial appearance and boosting the confidence of individuals seeking treatment, stressing that professional care remains essential for effective outcomes.

The NAO president warned that patronising quacks for dental procedures could expose individuals to severe oral and health complications, and noted that poorly handled orthodontic treatments often lead to long-term damage.

She said regular dental check-ups and early intervention by qualified professionals are necessary to maintain healthy teeth and ensure proper dental alignment.

Ize-Iyamu, who is also the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), said World Orthodontic Health Day provides an avenue for orthodontists, patients and the public to promote awareness on the significance of proper teeth alignment and oral health.

She explained that the annual event is organised by the World Federation of Orthodontists as a global initiative to celebrate the impact of orthodontic treatment on individuals and communities.

The orthodontist further noted that the observance highlights how quality orthodontic care can improve appearance, enhance wellbeing and contribute to a better quality of life.

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She disclosed that the UBTH and other teaching hospitals across Nigeria marked the occasion with awareness campaigns and advocacy programmes aimed at educating citizens on oral hygiene and preventive dental care.

Reaffirming the commitment of orthodontists and other dental professionals to improved access to quality oral healthcare services, Ize-Iyamu urged Nigerians to adopt healthy dental habits and seek treatment only from certified professionals.