The consensus of experts on dentists wanting to explore the frontiers in dentistry is that they must keep abreast of the latest technological advancements, be focused on excelling and it should not be monetary.
Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Professor Morenike Ukpong, a keynote speaker at the Unibadan Association of Dental Students 40th health week symposium, with the theme “Exploring the Frontiers in Dentistry: Home and Abroad” stated that there is a place for moving abroad if it is to expand one’s horizon but it should not be monetary.
He said: “if you cannot expand your horizon here, you cannot do it outside. So, that decision about going shouldn’t be because you failed here but because you truly want more than you can find here. If it is about making money, you can make money here. If your travelling is to make money, if you cannot make it here, then you are not likely to make money there.”
According to her, the migration of medical doctors abroad is not going to stop in the next decade because of many issues, including data and technological know-how to support appropriate policies to make changes, as well as appropriate tools and means to train.
Chairman, Nigerian Dental Association, Oyo State branch, Dr Adesola Odofin, said funding was a challenge to exploring the frontiers in dentistry in Nigeria.
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She added: “the financial institution is not helping the medical business. They would not help except there is a policy change. There should be loans available to young graduates to follow their interests.”
According to Dr Odofin, if dentists are able to overcome the high cost of equipment for dental care and practice within their professional limits, gaining enough clients to access dental care to break even also remains a challenge.
Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Professor Yinka Omigbodun in her opening speech stated that many think that being a dentist, employment will easily be available.
Professor Omigbodu, represented by Professor Juliana Taiwo, Dean Faculty of Dentistry, said that dental training needs to be revised to ensure that they can explore new frontiers abroad and at home.
According to her, “training has always been fashioned towards colonial masters’ pattern to train people to work for the government which is now saturated and slow in employing people. Training of the student dentists to enable them to diversify is urgent. It must incorporate other aspects of dentistry such as logistics and supply chain management for dental equipment and materials.”
Dr John Aniemeke, a periodontology and implant dentist, in San Antonia, Texas, stated that for dentists to be able to explore the frontiers of dentists abroad, there is the need for dental practice in Nigeria to become high tech and for dentists to keep abreast of new developments in dental practice.