The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to oral healthcare, with plans to reach at least three million Nigerians through expanded services and awareness campaigns, as the country marked World Oral Health Day 2026.
Speaking during a commemorative event in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, said oral diseases continue to pose a serious but often overlooked threat to national development.
Represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Abisola Adegoke, the minister warned that poor oral health has far-reaching consequences.
“Oral diseases have impacted negatively on children’s growth, adult productivity and the nation’s progress,” he said.
He described the 2026 theme, “A happy mouth is a happy life,” as a call to action for Nigerians to adopt preventive oral health practices.
“This event serves as a reminder of the importance of simple daily oral healthcare practices and the critical role oral health plays in overall well-being,” Salako stated.
The minister disclosed that the government has begun integrating oral healthcare into primary healthcare systems to improve access, especially in underserved communities.
“We have integrated oral healthcare into our primary healthcare services and expanded access to affordable dental care, providing education, prevention and basic care closer to communities,” he said.
He added that community health workers are now being equipped to identify and refer to serious conditions.
“Community healthcare workers are trained to identify and refer severe oral health conditions like noma and cleft lip and palate,” he noted.
Salako further highlighted ongoing collaborations with development partners, including the World Health Organisation and Médecins Sans Frontières, to tackle neglected oral diseases.
Commending the Nigerian Dental Association, he said its outreach programmes have already reached over 2.4 million Nigerians nationwide.
“Our aim this year is to reach three million citizens with education, care and hope,” he added.
The minister also announced a partnership with Colgate to train Community Health Extension Workers and promote oral health education in schools and communities.
He stressed that preventing oral diseases requires collective responsibility.
“We are determined that Nigerians will not suffer silently from preventable oral diseases. Parents, teachers and healthcare providers must educate citizens on brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, reducing sugar intake, avoiding tobacco and seeking regular dental care”, he said.
Oral health is increasingly recognised as a critical component of public health, yet it remains under-prioritised in many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. The World Health Organisation estimates that oral diseases affect billions globally, with untreated dental conditions among the most prevalent health issues.
In Nigeria, limited access to dental care, high out-of-pocket costs, and low awareness continue to drive the burden of preventable oral diseases. Health experts say integrating oral health into primary healthcare and scaling up public education are essential steps toward reversing the trend.
With renewed commitments from the government and its partners, stakeholders say sustained investment will be key to ensuring that oral healthcare becomes accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
The PUNCH