By Osiregbeme Abdullah Egbakhime, Benin
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has urged members of the Nigerian Association of Orthodontics to embrace technology and innovations to advance development in the health sector.
Okpebholo spoke at the 19th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Orthodontics with theme, “Embracing Technology and Innovations in Orthodontics: Pioneering the Future” in Benin, Edo State .
Represented by the commissioner for health in the state, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, Okpeholo said technology and innovation are key to enhancing advancement in the health sector.
He noted that Orthodontics is not only about aligning teeth but also restoring confidence, improving speech, nutrition, and overall wellbeing.
The governor commended the association for their consistency and commitment to advancing oral health in Nigeria .
Okpebholo said artificial intelligence is transforming the way orthodontics care is delivered.
“For us in Nigeria, the real challenge is to ensure that these innovations
do not remain out of reach for the majority of our people. We must embrace technology in a way that improves access, affordability, and safety for all,” he stated.
In his welcome address, President Nigerian Association of Orthodontics (NAO), Dr. Olayinka Adeyinka said that orthodontics play a crucial role in delivering optimal oral health care to the population by correcting and managing malocclusions.
He added that orthodontics equally play a critical role in the management and rehabilitation of babies born with cleft lip and palate.
While emphasizing the role of orthodontics in healthcare delivery, wished the incoming President of the Nigerian Association of Orthodontics, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, who is also Chief Medical Director of UBTH, a successful tenure as she takes on the baton.
