Model for Oral Health at Primary Health Care level

OBJECTIVE: There is a need to integrate oral health into existing Primary Health Care (PHC) services in Nigeria. The present project aims at designing a model for Primary Oral Health Care (POHC) using the Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. METHOD: A project involving health promotion, establishment of a dental clinic and full community participation is being implemented in Ife North Local Government area of Osun state Nigeria. This is a partnership between the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and the Ife North Local Government Council. The Carnegie Corporation of New York sponsored the project. Materials for the dental clinic are purchased under a revolving fund. There is a 15-member project management committee that include representatives of the traditional rulers, women’s groups, the project partners and religious bodies within the community. RESULT: The project has served the oral health needs of the community. It has led to the establishment of the first dental clinic at the local government level in Nigeria. It has also resulted in the full integration of oral health into existing PHC services in the local government area. CONCLUSION: This project will serve as a model for other Local Government Areas in Nigeria. It is envisaged that all the 774 local governments in the country will adopt the approach in establishing oral health care.

Supported by the Carnegie Corporation, New York. (Grant B D 02085.R01)