With the increase in the rate of migration of health care professionals to first world countries, in what is popularly called japa in local parlance, it is becoming challenging accessing quality dental care in the country. As more experienced dentists flee the country for better opportunities in the United States and Europe, the brain drain deepens.
The brain drain has so much affected the health care sector that many resort to self medication and abuse of herbal medicine resulting in serious complications. Some others have had terrible experiences in the hands of poorly skilled health care professionals and quacks.
If you are among those who are interested in quality dental health care but don’t know how to access it, then this piece is for you.
Let me show you how you can find reputable dental clinics where you will get quality dental care within the country and avoid ugly experiences in the hands of unqualified personnel.
1. Use Registered Dental Facilities
One of the reasons people have poor experiences from dental treatments is because they use dental facilities that don’t have approval from the government. This is why it is important to ensure that the dental clinic you intend to visit for health care has approval by appropriate bodies and government agencies.
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has outlined guidelines that must be met before a private dental facility is set up. For example, if you are using a private dental clinic, the dentist in charge must have a certificate of full registration with the MDCN and also evidence of annual practising licence.
The dental surgeon must have at least five years of working experience post qualification. The clinic should also have a dental surgery technician that will assist the dentist during procedures.
The dental clinic should at least have the minimum basic facilities to include a reception consisting of a front desk and a waiting area. The clinic should also have a diagnostic aid (dental x-ray) and an autoclave for sterilizing dental instruments.
It is important to ensure you use an approved dental clinic. This is because there are a lot of unqualified individuals who are carrying out dental procedures. Many of these individuals carry out their activities in the guise of operating as a pharmacy shop or pretending to render other dental services.
There have been cases of poor treatments like incomplete extractions and poor fillings. There are also reports of complications such as bleeding, dry socket, infections, and abscesses also occur following procedures. This things happen because people are patronising dental clinics not approved by the government.
2. Research for Good Dental Clinics Around You
There are many good dental care facilities in the country. It is possible that one or two of these clinics are in your locality and you are unaware of it.
You can search for dental clinics near you on google and take a step further to finding out what people are saying about the clinics both online and offline.
Things you should look out for include the reputation of the dental clinic, people’s experience there, and the dental environment. You should also check out if the dental care team is friendly, receptive and respectful. Do they have good communication skills? Also find out the quality of services they offer and if their services are affordable.
Any clinic where people have repeatedly had bad experiences and need to visit another dental clinic to finish up their treatment is a red flag. In fact, the attention of professional bodies like Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) should be drawn to such facilities for quackery assessment and possible closure.
3. Use Government Facilities if You Are Low on Budget
Most government health care centres offer dental services. Dental services in these centres are very affordable. So , if you cannot afford private dental care, do well to use government hospitals.
In government hospitals, there are skilled and well trained dentists that can attend to your dental complaints. Though these centres may not have the kind of classy working environment you get to find in some private dental clinics, their environment is decent and comfortable, and they also offer quality services.
Why wait and endanger your health because you cannot afford dental care in a private facility? You can visit any government dental centre near you and have your dental problems treated.
4.Be Financially Ready
The reality on ground in the country currently is that you may not be able to access health care including dental treatment if you are not ready to pay for such services, unless you have health insurance.
Unfortunately, most Nigerians don’t have health insurance. The implication of this is that most people have to pay out of pocket for health care. It doesn’t matter whether they are using government or private hospitals.
Therefore it is important you include dental care in your health budget. This means that a certain amount of money should be set aside on a regular basis for dental care. Such an allocation, which can be weekly or monthly, can also cover the family’s dental needs.
5. Have a Health Insurance
Before now, only government employees and some persons working in the private sector had access to health insurance. But nowadays, any interested Nigerian can get health insurance. This you do by subscribing to a health maintenance organisation (HMO) of choice for a monthly or annual fee. AXA Mansard is an example of a HMO.
Living in the present day Nigeria, it is important that one subscribes to health insurance. With health insurance, you will have most of your dental care needs taken care of by your HMO.
Subscribing to a health insurance helps you to become intentional about your health. With such an insurance you cannot be taken unawares by a sudden occurrence of sickness. Without a health financial plan, you may find yourself not having money to sort out payments for your dental needs or for that of a family member as the case may be.
Conclusion
Dental care is an important aspect of your overall health. Anything that affects your dental health can find expression in your total health. Ensure you use approved dental clinics for a good dental experience. Also ensure you include your dental health and that of your family in your annual budget. Better still get a health insurance.
