ELIMINATING QUACKERY IN DENTISTRY, A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY…President Nigerian Dental Association

09/02/25

SHINA DJ

Press Release

DISTURBING REPORT OF UNABATING QUACKERY IN DENTISTRY ..

President of the Nigerian Dental Association Dr Elias Martins Emedom has advised Dental Practitioners to desist from encouraging quacks and unwholesome practices affecting the Profession directly or inadvertently and adopt the attitude of “see something, say something.”

This is following Reports reaching the President And the NOC about increasing cases of alleged dental malpractice & professional misconduct going on across the country..

This disturbing development is reported to involve Some Allied Dental Practitioners, in connivance with some members of the Nigerian Dental Association and Non-dental operators of Beauty Shops.

Besides official reports from State Chapters and colleagues, the Social media has also been recently awash with unimaginable display of Quackery and Dental malpractice.

According to feedback from Enugu State Chapter (South East Nigeria), Young Dentists, believed to be under provisional registration, are being induced financially by Non-dental & Allied Dental Professionals for their licenses to be used for the registration of dental clinics at the State Ministry of Health.

Dr Elias Martins Emedom President Nigerian Dental Association.

Dr Victor Nwabudike, Consultant Family Dentists And Chairman Ethics & Disciplinary Committee

For the avoidance of doubt, the Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria 2008 is very clear on the limits of provisional and full registrations vis-a-vis the use of accompanying practicing licenses for registration of private Dental facilties.
Rule 9.1a ( Provisional Registration )…This entitles a practitioner to undertake internship under the supervision of registered Consultants or Specialists in a hospital approved by Council for internship training. This registration does not entitle the practitioner to set-up and run an independent practice on his own until he/she is signed off from the internship.
Rule 36.0 …( Aiding the unprofessional practice of Medicine & Dentistry …
“No doctor or dental surgeon shall permit his professional services or his name to be used in the aiding of or to make possible, the unauthorized practice of Medicine & Dentistry by any person, agency or corporate body”
Our colleagues should therefore be reminded that non-compliance with these rules and other relevant provisions, breaches the Code of Ethics and makes one liable to disciplinary proceedings.

WAY FORWARD …

*NDA National commends Enugu State Chapter for bringing this to the attention of the NOC and encourage all State Chapters to stay vigilant and not only report these infractions but also liaise with their various states Ministries of Health/relevant State Government Agencies to bring such perpetrators to book.

*At the National level, the NDA will intensify collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, MDCN & all relevant stakeholders to thoroughly investigate all cases of quackery/malpractice brought to our attention & ensure appropriate sanctions are meted out to all those found culpable.

*NDA at the National level to engage the National Associations of Allied Dental Professionals and their regulatory bodies (Boards), for adoption of collaborative measures to curtail the menace of quackery in dental practice. State Chapters are encouraged to do same where such Allied Associations exist at state levels.

*State Chapters are encouraged to work more closely with their state Directors of Medical/Dental Services. We should also work in close partnership with agencies of our various state governments responsible for the registration and monitoring of Health Facilities where available like; the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) in Lagos State.

*NDA National and State Chapters to continue with advocacy and enlightenment of the public on Quackery and dangers associated with patronizing quacks; especially those operating as Beauty Shops, Spas, Salons etc.

CONCLUSION
Fighting Quackery/Malpractice in Dentistry is a collective responsibility of all Dental Practitioners. Let us desist from encouraging these unwholesome practices directly or inadvertently and adopt the attitude of “see something, say something.”