The Nigeria Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has urged on dental technologists across the country to embrace innovation, adopt modern technologies, and remain vigilant in professional regulation to enhance their contribution to quality healthcare delivery in the country.
He made this known during his opening address at the maiden Dental Technologists Summit held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the National Merit Award House, Abuja.
Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Dental Technologists: Past, Present and Future,” Dr. Salako praised the efforts of the Dental Technologists Registration Board of Nigeria (DTRBN) for bringing together practitioners, policymakers, students, and researchers to reflect on the evolution of the profession and chart a future roadmap.
He noted that dental technologists play a critical behind-the-scenes role in the healthcare system by fabricating custom dental appliances that help restore smiles, improve oral health, and contribute to the rehabilitation of patients in specialties such as ENT, oncology, pediatrics, and ophthalmology.
Highlighting the federal government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Dr. Salako assured the gathering that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to improve health outcomes by taking services closer to the people.
He emphasized that the technical expertise of dental technologists is vital to achieving this goal, especially in areas of restorative, cosmetic, and orthodontic dentistry.
“Your skills, knowledge of materials, and ability to utilize modern technologies are essential for optimal patient outcomes,” he stressed.
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The Minister further charged the regulatory board to take bold steps in stamping out quackery by deploying digital tools for the indexing of students, registration, and annual renewal processes of dental technologists across Nigeria.
This, he said, would help the profession maintain credibility and ensure that only qualified professionals are allowed to practice, he urged the board to always know the number and distribution of certified practitioners nationwide.
Dr. Salako also encouraged dental technologists to remain current with global advancements, continuously improve their craft, and deliver efficient and comfortable patient experiences, even if they operate behind the scenes.
He also emphasized the need to adopt digital innovations and modern materials in the production of dental prosthetics and devices.
Dr. Salako described the summit as a golden opportunity for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking, urging participants to discuss challenges, share best practices, and propose practical solutions that would reshape the future of dental technology in Nigeria.
“Let this summit be a launchpad for innovation, standardization, and professional pride in your field,” he added.
While declaring the summit officially open, Dr. Salako reaffirmed the government’s recognition of the contributions of dental technologists to national health development and called for continued dialogue and commitment to excellence.
The summit is expected to provide strategic direction for the future of dental technology in Nigeria while strengthening the bonds among stakeholders in the profession.