A professor of paediatric dentistry, Morẹ́nikẹ́ Ukpong has said that oral health problems are major features of child neglect and child abuse, and paediatric dentists are often the first responders to child abuse.
Professor Ukpong, in an inaugural lecture of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State entitled “Leaving Toothprints in the Sands of Time,” said child abuse is a big concern and paediatric dentists see a lot more cases than can be imagined, and as such, there is a need for a reform to reduce the risk of children being abused through the dental care pathway.
According to her, although paediatric dentists’ responsibilities extend to protecting children from vulnerabilities, Nigeria lacks a national protocol to effectively manage child abuse, limiting the holistic care of suspected cases.
Ukpong, a former dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at the university, said that by integrating social care with clinical expertise in children, not only will their dental problems be treated, but it will also enhance the overall wellbeing of these children.
According to her, this approach, unconventional as it may be, aligns with the belief that effective paediatric dentistry transcends traditional boundaries, embracing a holistic perspective that extends beyond the confines of the dental chair.
Professor Ukpong declared that integrating performance arts into dental practice will transform routine procedures into engaging and positive experiences for children and foster an environment that will encourage trust and collaboration between dental practitioners and their young patients.
The don stated that despite the evident benefit that integrating performance arts into dental practice can have on children’s overall well-being and oral health outcomes, this approach to providing dental care for children has received limited investment and attention.
She added, “Investing in the development and expansion of performance arts in paediatric dentistry is an investment in children’s emotional and psychological comfort during dental visits, ultimately contributing to a future generation that values and prioritises their oral health.
“This approach can promote a positive attitude towards oral health that can have lasting effects into adulthood. Moreover, it can contribute to establishing a foundation for a lifetime of good oral health habits, instilling in children the importance of regular dental visits and proactive care.”
Professor Ukpong urged research to build evidence on optimal strategies for integrating oral, mental, sexual, and reproductive health as well as models for the seamless integration of oral health into broader healthcare practices to strengthen national, regional, and international policies.
According to her, generating evidence for addressing gender and social inequalities that contribute to the vulnerability of certain populations to oral diseases as well as improving the health and well-being of populations vulnerable to oral diseases like adolescents and pregnant women is a pressing issue.
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