A dentist at the General Hospital, Apapa, Dr Ridwan Kekere-Ekun, has identified the rising costs of dental materials, equipment and hospital operations as major barriers to affordable dental care in Nigeria.
Kekere-Ekun, the hospital’s Deputy Medical Director and Chief Dental Officer, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.
He attributed the high cost of treatment partly to imported dental equipment and materials, whose prices have been affected by the depreciation of the naira.
He added that rising energy costs, including petrol and diesel for generators, had increased hospital operating expenses, resulting in higher bills for patients.
According to him, inadequate government funding and limited public confidence in health insurance schemes have also contributed to the problem.
He said many patients paid out of pocket for consultations, X-rays, prescriptions and dental procedures, with some unable to complete recommended treatment because of financial constraints.
Kekere-Ekun warned that delayed treatment could lead to complications, prolonged hospital stays, referrals and additional medical expenses.
He urged the government to increase funding for dental units and reduce import duties on dental equipment.
He also advocated wider health insurance coverage, public education, community outreach and preventive services, including free scaling and polishing.
Additionally, he called for measures to reduce hospitals’ energy costs, including support for solar installations, to help make dental services more affordable.
