40th Dentiscope Anniversary & 29th Annual Symposium and Journal Launch: Charting the Course, Advancing Oral Health Equity in Nigeria

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, the Large Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medicine, UCH, Ibadan, was filled with professionals, students, and invited guests for the 40th Annual Symposium and Journal Launch of Dentiscope. 

The event served as a platform for conversations on “Charting the Course: Advancing Oral Health Equity in Nigeria.”

The day began with an opening prayer by Adebomi Deborah followed by the National Anthem and the University of Ibadan Anthem which were sung by the audience in Unison. After which special guests were recognized and they include: Dr. Tokunbo Abiose, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and former HOD, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Ibadan; Professor Denloye; Professor Bukola Adeyemi, Consultant Oral Pathologist and former HOD, Oral Pathology, University of Ibadan; Dr. Olushola Ibiyemi, Consultant Public Health Dentist and Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, UCH Ibadan; Dr. Modupe Soyinka, Consultant Restorative Dentist and Clinic Director, Veritas Dental Clinic; Prof. Olubayo Fasola, Consultant, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Pioneer Editor-in-Chief, Dentiscope Editorial Board; Prof Obafunke Denloye, HOD, Child Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry; Dr. Adeola Williams, Sub-Dean Undergraduate, Faculty of Dentistry; Prof. Bamidele Kolude, Dean, Faculty of Dentistry; Prof. Folake B. Lawal, HOD, Periodontology and Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry ably represented by Dr. Ejiro Idiga, Dr. Adeyemi, Chief Registrar, Faculty of Dentistry.

Kehinde Arokoyo, Editor-in-Chief of Dentiscope, delivered his address followed by Adebomi Deborah's presentation of the citation of keynote speaker, Dr. Tokunbo Abiose, the first editorial consultant of Dentiscope.

Taking the stage, Dr. Abiose delivered a keynote address on the topic “Lest We Forget Trauma: Management of Maxillofacial Trauma in the African Environment.” 

The event's main highlight was the panel session, moderated by Olajide Olamide and Farida Oladejo, on the event's theme. Olajide Olamide asked how restorative dental treatment varies between economic groups and how equality can be ensured. In response, Dr. Modupe Soyinka identified reduced access and limited finances as the major barriers for low-income populations. She recommended integrating oral health into primary healthcare and providing grants for dentists, noting the staggering ratio of only about 54,000 dentists to roughly 84 million Nigerians with dental problems. She also emphasized empowering dental therapists and hygienists to take on more community-level roles.

Dr. Olushola Ibiyemi added that local innovation can bridge this equity gap, recalling how Prof. Oke once initiated dental care in Idi-Ikan with a locally manufactured dental chair made by welders, not identical to imported models but functional enough to provide essential care. He also spoke on Basic Package of Oral Care (BPOC) which includes a set of essential, cost-effective dental services such as emergency pain relief, extractions, and basic restorations, designed to be universally accessible, especially in rural areas. He stressed the need for advocacy skills among both dentists and community health workers to gather data on oral disease prevalence, which can then guide targeted interventions.

When asked how private dental owners can sustain their business while giving back to the community, Dr. Soyinka shared her practice of offering free treatment to at least two indigent patients monthly. She also explained tiered treatment, offering different levels of care and materials at varying prices so patients can choose what fits their budget. This ensures access to oral care without threatening the financial sustainability of the practice.

Prof. Adeyemi spoke on stronger collaboration between oral pathologists and community health workers through screening initiatives and emerging tools like liquid biopsy, a non-invasive technique using saliva to detect biomarkers for oral cancers early, thereby improving prognosis. Responding to a question on tele-dentistry and 3D printing, Dr. Soyinka explained how remote consultations, digital prescriptions, and low-cost 3D-printed prosthetics (using materials like polymethyl methacrylate for dentures and crowns) can offer functional, affordable solutions where standard equipment is unavailable.

During the audience Q&A, Olaniran Taofik asked about the implications of delayed treatment due to financial constraints leading to disease progression. Dr. Ibiyemi responded by referencing the inverse care law, the principle that those with the greatest need often receive the least care, which is quite unfortunate. Prof. Adeyemi reinforced the need for financial reforms in health insurance coverage, stressing that dentists must show compassion and encouragement to patients facing economic hardship.

The panel session ended at 1:27 pm, after which Prof. Olubayo Fasola presented awards and reflected on the journal’s growth from a UADS-managed publication to an autonomous institution. Plaques were awarded to Dr. Modupe Soyinka, Dr. Olushola Ibiyemi, Prof. Bukola Adeyemi, and Dr. Tokunbo Abiose.

For the Prof. Olubayo Fasola Inter-Secondary School Essay Competition, certificates and cash prizes were presented to the top three finalists. The winners were:

1st place – Miss Ajani Shalom (God’s Blessing Comprehensive College, Yemetu, Ibadan). Her school also received an Award of Excellence.

2nd place – Miss Adeniyi Adebukola. (Bodija International College)

3rd place – Miss Oriere Joan (Oritamefa Baptist Model School, Ibadan).

Dr. Abiose officially launched the latest edition of Dentiscope, marking another milestone in its legacy. 

A vote of thanks by Farida Oladejo, the News & Quiz Editor and Symposium Committee Chair, preceded a saxophone performance by Iyanuoluwaa, which provided a serene close to the day’s formalities. Guests also enjoyed food, drinks, with jotters.

DENTATICS PRESS