Kano govt. gives 16,000 patients free dental services

As many as 16,000 patients from the five Emirati councils of Kano have benefited from the state’s free dental and oral health services.

Health Commissioner Dr Aminu Tsanyawa revealed it on Friday during the free dental awareness closing ceremony on March 20, World Oral Health Day.

He said the exercise that began on March 20 had surpassed his 15,000 statewide target beneficiaries.

Treating oral health cases is expensive, he says, and is generally not part of universal health coverage.

“Most low and middle income countries like Nigeria are unable to provide services to prevent and treat oral health problems,” he said.

Tsanyawa pointed out that most oral health problems are largely preventable and can be treated.

He said the mouth was one of the main entry points for common illnesses such as diarrhea, vomiting, typhoid fever and even COVID-19.

The commissioner explained that Kano had carried out massive oral health awareness activities throughout the state through similar free outreach.

He added that beneficiaries have benefited from interventions such as scaling and polishing, filling and restoration as well as partial denture and extraction.

Others also received dental health kits that included toopaste, a toothbrush, dental floss, and mouthwash.

He said the two-week exercise also enabled beneficiaries to learn about oral health and good hygiene practices.

The Nigeria News Agency (NAN) reports that the Kano State government embarked on a free two-week outreach on March 20 at designated health facilities across the five emirates councils to mark the World Oral Day. (NOPE)