Prof. Idia Ize‑Iyamu, Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, has voiced concern over the acute shortage of qualified orthodontic professionals in Nigeria. She noted that only about 74 practitioners are available to serve a population exceeding 237.5 million people. Ize‑Iyamu made this observation in her acceptance speech after being elected the 10th National President of the Nigerian Association of Orthodontists. She is a Professor of Orthodontics at the University of Benin and a Consultant Orthodontist at the University Teaching Hospital.
As the new president, Ize‑Iyamu acknowledged the challenges confronting the profession, particularly the lack of orthodontic services in underserved areas. Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in correcting irregularities of the teeth and jaws, and the Nigerian Association of Orthodontists is dedicated to promoting excellence in orthodontic care, education, and research. She pledged to work tirelessly with her executive team to harness the association’s collective goals and advance the interests of its members.
Ize‑Iyamu emphasized the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in her leadership, especially as the health sector undergoes rapid technological advancement. She committed to building on the association’s legacy by fostering innovation, exploring new frontiers in orthodontics, enhancing members’ skills, promoting best practices, and improving patient care. The immediate past president, Dr. Olayinka Adeyinka, expressed optimism that Ize‑Iyamu will elevate the association to greater heights.
Her election marks a new chapter for the Nigerian Association of Orthodontists, with expectations that the organization will make meaningful contributions to the oral health of Nigerians and address the shortage of orthodontic services. The scarcity of qualified orthodontic professionals underscores the need for increased investment in dental education and training. Under Ize‑Iyamu’s leadership, the association is poised to achieve significant progress in advancing orthodontics across the country.
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