The Ipetumodu Community Oral Health Project, Nigeria

Objectives: The goal of the present project is to develop a sustainable model for community-based approach to oral health training, prevention and care for use by dental schools and other dental training institutions, especially in Nigeria. Methods: The project involves; training community health workers in the Local Government Area (LGA) on oral health promotion and care, establishing a dental clinic is Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria (population of about 200,000), utilizing the services of dental undergraduates and community health workers in promoting oral and general health in the LGA communities, and developing a standard model of community-based oral health exposure for undergraduate dental students. The project is a partnership between the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and the Ife North Local Government Council, Nigeria. The Carnegie Corporation of New York sponsored the project. Results: A fully functional dental clinic has been established with a very successful Revolving Fund system for dental consumables. Oral health promotion, service and care is being provided to previously neglected and underserved communities. The oral health knowledge and practice of primary health care workers in the local government area has also improved. The project has also resulted in a stronger relationship between the university and the local government authorities. Conclusion: The project is a successful model for establishing oral health care and services at the local/district level. It has also contributed to the curriculum development for community dental exposure, especially at the undergraduate level. Supported by the Carnegie Corporation, New York. (Grant B D 02085.R01)