Okpebholo to Orthodontists: Embrace AI and Technology to Improve Access and Affordability in Healthcare

The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has charged members of the Nigerian Association of Orthodontists to actively integrate cutting-edge technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), into their practice to enhance the nation’s healthcare delivery.

The Governor’s message, delivered through his Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, at the association’s 19th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, emphasized that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present reality that is fundamentally “transforming the way orthodontic care is delivered.”

Governor Okpebholo called on the participants to aggressively pursue innovation as the key to significant advancement in the health sector. He underscored the profound importance of their work, stating, “Orthodontics is not only about aligning teeth. It is about restoring confidence, improving speech, nutrition, and overall well-being. You make people smile with dignity, and that is priceless.”

He, however, issued a crucial challenge to the medical professionals: “For us in Nigeria, the real challenge is to ensure that these innovations do not remain out of reach for the majority of our people. We must embrace technology in a way that improves access, affordability, and safety for all.”

Earlier, the President of the Association, Dr. Olayinka Adeyinka, noted the vital role orthodontists play, including the management and rehabilitation of babies born with cleft lip and palate, which often provides timely and expert intervention for patients from low-income families. The consensus at the conference reinforced the need for the specialty to align with global technological trends to better serve the Nigerian population.