BENIN CITY — The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has seen a surge of patients taking advantage of a 50% discount on selected dental treatments, part of a nationwide push to improve oral health and mark the 2026 World Oral Health Day.
Hundreds of patients visited the hospital on Tuesday to benefit from the initiative, organised by the Nigerian Dental Association, in partnership with UBTH, under the theme: “A happy mouth is a happy life.”
Dr. Nneka Chumwumah, Coordinator of the UBTH Dental Centre, described the turnout as “encouraging” and noted that over 100 patients had already received treatment since the programme began.
She emphasised that the discount is intended to make essential dental care more affordable and accessible, particularly for those who might otherwise delay treatment due to cost.
“By reducing the financial burden, we are helping more people maintain good oral health, which is critical for overall wellbeing,” Dr. Chumwumah said.
Several patients, who preferred to remain anonymous, praised UBTH management for the initiative, saying that it has made procedures like scaling, polishing, extractions, and radiographs far more attainable.
The programme, officially launched on Monday by UBTH Chief Medical Director Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, runs from March 16 to 19 at the hospital’s Dental Centre, offering half-price rates on essential treatments including GIC restorations and other basic procedures.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu highlighted that UBTH remains committed to improving healthcare delivery and promoting community access to vital medical services, adding that initiatives like this reinforce the hospital’s role in public health advocacy.
The dental drive underscores the growing emphasis on preventive oral care in Nigeria, aiming to reduce long-term dental issues, while encouraging healthier lifestyles across communities.
