Rising Dental Costs Force Patients to Delay Care, Dentist Says

 

By Atlantic Reports

High dental treatment costs are forcing some Nigerians to postpone procedures, abandon investigations or move between facilities in search of cheaper care, according to Dr Ridwan Kekere-Ekun, Deputy Medical Director of General Hospital, Apapa.

Kekere-Ekun, who is also the hospital’s Chief Dental Officer, said on Monday that rising equipment, material and operating costs were limiting access to timely treatment.

He identified dependence on imported dental equipment and materials as a major pressure, saying the naira’s depreciation had increased their prices.

Hospitals’ expenditure on petrol and diesel for generators also contributed to higher patient bills, he said.

Kekere-Ekun attributed further difficulties to inadequate government funding and limited public trust in health insurance schemes. Poor insurance coverage, he said, left many patients paying directly for consultations, X-rays, medicines and procedures.

For patients requiring several interventions, he said financial constraints could mean choosing just one procedure or being unable to complete the investigations needed for treatment.

“Simply put, the consequences are predictable dental complications, unplanned hospital admissions, extended stays in the hospital, extended treatment time, requests for newer or more investigations,” he said.

He warned that delays could lead to more complex treatment, specialist referrals and greater health risks. His account did not include figures showing how many patients had abandoned care or developed complications.

Kekere-Ekun said feedback from patients at his hospital regularly revealed difficulties paying for treatment, with some seeking more affordable options elsewhere.

He urged the government to increase funding for dental units and reduce import duties on dental equipment to help lower service costs.

He also advocated mandatory enrolment in health insurance schemes, alongside public education to improve understanding and participation. He did not specify how contributions would be made affordable for low-income households or which dental services should be covered.

The dentist recommended greater investment in preventive care through community outreach, public education, free scaling and polishing programmes, and partnerships between government and private providers.

He also called for expanded dental services and support to reduce hospitals’ energy expenses, including electricity and diesel subsidies, generator assistance and solar installations.

His proposals address both the cost of delivering care and patients’ ability to pay. Their practical value would depend on whether additional funding and operational savings translate into affordable treatment at dental facilities.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.