One of Nigeria’s leading dental healthcare providers, Smile360 Dental Specialists, has raised an alarm over the growing shortage of dentists and orthodontic specialists in Nigeria, warning that the migration of healthcare professionals abroad is worsening access to oral healthcare services across the country.
The Chief Executive Officer of Smile360, Dr. Amy Shumbusho, spoke in Lagos during the celebration of World Orthodontic Health Day and the presentation of treatment awards to winners of the company’s “Project Smile” initiative.
Speaking at the event, Shumbusho said orthodontics goes beyond cosmetic improvement, stressing that healthy smiles significantly affect confidence, mental well-being and overall quality of life.
“When you have a beautiful smile, you know the impact it has on your self-esteem and confidence level.
“Health is not just the absence of disease. It also has to do with mental health and well-being. Orthodontists play a huge role in that.”
She noted that awareness about orthodontics has grown rapidly in recent years, largely driven by social media and increasing public exposure to dental health information.
“Thirty years ago, the demand was very low. But now people are aware. Patients even come and tell you what Google has said about orthodontics,” she stated.
According to her, the growing demand is putting enormous pressure on the limited number of orthodontists available in the country.
“There is definitely a drought of professionals. We know the japa syndrome is there and the number of orthodontists is still very small,” she said.
Shumbusho explained that the company deliberately linked its “Project Smile” initiative to the global orthodontic awareness campaign because many of the beneficiaries required orthodontic procedures capable of transforming their lives socially and professionally.
The initiative invited Nigerians to submit photographs and stories explaining how improving their smiles could impact their confidence, careers and future opportunities.
“We realised that most of the shortlisted entries and winners happened to be orthodontic cases,” she said.
“We wanted to impact people whose lives and opportunities could change significantly through smile transformation.”
She disclosed that the total treatment package awarded to the winners was valued at over N20 million.
“The treatment value for the winners is between N5.5 million and N6.5 million each. Altogether, the package is worth over N20 million,” she added.
Speaking, the Chief Human Resource Officer of Smile360, Mr. Joel Okwuoha, said the country’s oral healthcare manpower shortage had become alarming, citing figures from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria showing that one dentist currently serves more than 10,000 Nigerians.
“We know the population of this country is over 200 million. The last MDCN data showed that on average, you have over 10,000 Nigerians to one dentist,” he said.
Okwuoha blamed the shortage on migration of healthcare professionals and low interest in dentistry compared to other medical fields.
“There needs to be more conscious engagement to encourage young Nigerians to study dentistry and specialise in orthodontics,” he said, noting that scarcity of orthodontists presents major career opportunities for young professionals willing to specialise in the field.
“When you are among the very few professionals in a highly demanded field, there are opportunities for visibility, recognition and financial rewards,” he stated.
Also speaking, Chief Clinical Operations Officer of Smile360, Dr. Eucharia Egbo, stressed that oral healthcare should no longer be separated from general healthcare.
“Many people neglect oral care, but oral health challenges can affect appetite, confidence, social interaction and overall quality of life,” she said.
Brand Consultant to Smile360, Olumide Campbell of Etowadi Communications, said the theme of this year’s orthodontic celebration aligns with the organisation’s broader message of transformation and confidence-building.
“It is always beyond straight teeth. A smile gives people confidence, helps them engage others and amplifies their voice,” he said.
