NATIONAL ORAL HEALTH POLICY
Policy · Health
Policy date: 2024-07-01
A Policy provides a comprehensive framework for preventing and managing oral diseases in Nigeria through an integrated, people-centred approach. It targets all Nigerians, with special focus on children, pregnant women, the elderly, and at-risk populations. This aims to reduce the prevalence of oral diseases and integrate oral healthcare into the broader health system.
What Is This Policy?
A revised national policy providing a comprehensive framework for preventing and managing oral diseases in Nigeria through an integrated, people-centred approach.
Who Does It Target?
All Nigerians, with special focus on children, pregnant women, the elderly, and populations at risk of oral diseases and non-communicable diseases.
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Reduce the prevalence of oral diseases, integrate oral healthcare into the broader health system, and ensure at least 50% of pregnant women receive routine oral care.
Key Features
Integrative Model: Integrates oral health with other non-communicable disease prevention efforts Maternal Focus: Aims for 50% of pregnant women to receive routine oral care NOMA Control: Companion policy includes the National NOMA Control Policy and Strategic Action Plan (2024-2026) Sports Dentistry: Introduces sports dentistry as a new area of focus School Outreach: Partnership with Colgate to reach 1 million students in schools
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active; launched July 2024 by the Coordinating Minister of Health Coverage: Nationwide; primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare levels Funding: Federal Government; development partners; public-private partnerships
How to Access
Access oral health services through primary healthcare centres, dental clinics, and hospitals. The policy encourages integration of oral health into routine medical care. Visit any healthcare facility offering dental services NHIS enrollment for subsidized care
Important Terms
Disease Burden: 7.9 million children with untreated primary tooth decay; 25.7 million with permanent tooth decay (2019 data) Workforce Gap: Severe shortage of oral health professionals across all categories nationwide
Impact & Metrics
Replaces the first National Oral Health Policy launched in 2012. The revised policy adopts an integrative model to ensure broader population coverage and alignment with global oral health targets.
Official Resources
Website: health.gov.ng
Legal Framework
The National Oral Health Policy operates under the National Health Act 2014, the Federal Ministry of Health mandate, and the Dental Technologists Registration Board of Nigeria Act. It aligns with the WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan, the WHO Oral Health Programme, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.8 on Universal Health Coverage), and the FDI World Dental Federation's Vision 2030 on oral health. The National Drug Policy governs oral health pharmaceuticals and dental materials.