In a statement read in Parliament, MP for Tema Central, Yves Hanson-Nortey, reiterated the need for Ghanaians to take oral health care seriously and not relegate it to the background as has been done with other health issues.
Making his statement on the floor of Parliament much to the delight of stakeholders who were commemorating World Oral Health Day, the vocal lawmaker urged government to take steps to address the low number of dentists currently practising in Ghana’s healthcare system.
Further, he noted that Ghana still has few dental clinics, and the cost of dental services remains high.
“It is important that we have a national conversation on what can be done to improve the oral health component of our health delivery ecosystem. More must be done to step up the dentist to patient ratio in Ghana,” added Mr. Hanson-Nortey.
Noting the contribution of all stakeholders in the championing of proper oral health care, the MP urged the Ghana Dental Association and its partners to enhance public awareness and education on oral health issues in the country.
Commenting on the MP’s statement, Joel Boateng, Category Manager for Oral Care, Unilever Ghana, commended parliamentarians for prioritising discussions on oral health care especially as the world marked World Oral Health Day.
“I am encouraged to see our legislators shining the spotlight on issues of oral health. Pepsodent’s ongoing mission is to eradicate oral diseases for everyone and in 2022, the brand has launched an awareness campaign dubbed ‘TalktoADentist’ to sensitise Ghanaians not to wait until it is too late before seeking dental care.
“Oral health is closely tied to the overall health of the body and the consequences of waiting too long while nursing severe pain or any other oral care issue always lead to difficult and costly treatment and ultimately, tooth loss,” he said.
It is for this reason that Mr. Hanson-Nortey finished by making a clarion call to his fellow members of parliament to encourage regular oral health care check-ups by their constituents.
