A Restorative Dentist with a Flair for Public Health: Putting Beautiful Smiles on People's Faces
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Date
2024-10-23
Authors
Umesi, D. C.
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Publisher
University of Lagos Press and Bookshop Ltd
Abstract
It presents a comprehensive narrative of a professional journey as a Restorative Dentist with a notable inclination toward Public Health. Spanning four decades of academic and clinical engagement, the lecture highlights her dual expertise in restorative dental practices and community-based oral health advocacy. It explores the history and evolution of restorative dentistry, its sub-specialties—including prosthodontics, conservative dentistry, endodontics, and cosmetic dentistry—and their relevance in managing oral health, aesthetics, and function. Drawing from several epidemiological studies across Nigerian adolescent populations, Professor Umesi evaluates trends in dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral hygiene practices, malocclusion, and enamel defects. Her research demonstrates critical gaps in public oral health awareness and access to restorative services, especially in underprivileged populations. Notably, her advocacy efforts have influenced public health policy and industrial practices, such as the local production of paediatric fluoride toothpastes. It concludes by emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative clinical solutions, and the need for increased training in implantology. The body of work underscores the impact of restorative dentistry not only on individual smiles but also on national oral health outcomes.
Description
An Inaugural Lecture Delivered on Wednesday 23rd October, 2024 at the University of Lagos J.F ade-Ajayi by Professor Umesi, D. C.
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Citation
Umesi, D.C. (2024). A Restorative Dentist with a Flair for Public Health: Putting Beautiful Smiles on People's Faces. An Inaugural Lecture Delivered at the University of Lagos J.F ade-Ajayi. 113p.