FCT Minister Advocates Research, Local Manufacturing of Dental Materials

By our Reporter

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has advocated intensified research and the local manufacturing of dental materials to enhance Nigeria’s oral healthcare delivery and reduce reliance on imported products.

Dr. Mahmoud made the call at the inaugural summit of the Dental Technologists Registration Board of Nigeria (DTRBN) held in Abuja. She stressed that domestic production would not only lower costs but also improve access and ensure long-term sustainability within the oral health sector.

Highlighting the importance of dental technologists in modern, multidisciplinary dental care teams across both public and private sectors, the Minister urged practitioners to embrace innovation, standardize training, and pursue global competitiveness—especially in the face of advancements in digitization and artificial intelligence.

She urged participants to use the summit as a platform for strategic engagement, with the aim of generating actionable recommendations that can shape national policy and elevate professional standards in dental care.

Dr. Mahmoud also reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to improving healthcare through investment in infrastructure, workforce development, and collaboration among health professionals.

The Registrar of DTRBN, Malam Idris Bappah, described the summit as a timely opportunity to address industry challenges and develop strategies for strengthening the profession’s human resource capacity.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of merit awards to individuals recognized for their exceptional contributions to the growth of dental technology in Nigeria.