Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud has reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
Mahmoud said this would be achieved through investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and stronger collaboration among medical professionals.
The minister stated this in her keynote address at the maiden summit of the Dental Technologists Registration Board of Nigeria (DTRBN), in Abuja.
She emphasised the critical role of dental technologists in multidisciplinary healthcare teams, particularly as global awareness of oral health and advancements in prosthetics continue to rise.
“The dental technology profession is evolving rapidly, and we must adapt to the transformative impact of digitisation and artificial intelligence.
“I urge practitioners to embrace innovation, prioritise standardised training, and strive for global competitiveness to meet modern healthcare demands,” she said.
The minister also advocated for increased research and local production of dental materials to reduce reliance on imports.
“We must cultivate a culture of research and domestic manufacturing to enhance self-sufficiency and improve service delivery,” she added.
Charging participants to engage in meaningful deliberations, Mahmoud expressed optimism that the summit would produce actionable recommendations to shape national policy and elevate professional standards.
She expressed the readiness of the FCT Administration towards supporting initiatives that enhance healthcare, saying “we take pride in the achievements of dental technologists.”
Earlier, the Registrar of the Dental Technologists Registration Board of Nigeria, Malam Idris Bappah, described the summit as a pivotal platform for addressing challenges in the profession.
“This summit is a critical opportunity for us to collectively identify obstacles and propose innovative solutions that will strengthen the human factor within our profession,” Bappah stated.
