The University of Benin (UNIBEN) School of Dentistry on Wednesday inaugurated a free oral health outreach and treatment programme to mark the commencement of its 10th Distinguished Lecture Series and Annual Scientific Conference.

The event also featured the unveiling of a remodelled, fully equipped dental clinic on campus, donated by the family of the late Victor Ovbiagele.

Declaring the programme open, the Dean of the School of Dentistry, Idia Ize-Iyamu, said the initiative, tagged “Operation Know Your Oral Health Status and Take Control of Your General Health,” was designed to educate the public.

She said that the goal was to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of proper oral hygiene and its impact on overall health.

She stated, “We are giving back to society through this free oral health outreach and treatment programme. Our vice-chancellor’s mandate is to ensure the welfare of both staff and students.’’

Ms Ize-Iyamu, who is also the chief medical director-designate of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), formally inaugurated the renovated dental clinic.

She commended the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Edoba Omoregie, SAN, for his commitment to improving physical infrastructure and upgrading equipment at the institution’s health centre.

Ms Ize-Iyamu also called on alumni of the institution to “pick a project” as a way of giving back to their alma mater.

She lauded the Ovbiagele family for “etching their name in gold” through their generous support in renovating the clinic.

Representing the vice-chancellor and deputy vice-chancellor, administration, Christopher Osubor described the upgraded dental facility as “a world-class healthcare centre” and applauded the School of Dentistry for organising the free dental care initiative for staff and students. 

(NAN)