Gbemisola Oke

“The Community Oral Health Programmes in Idikan, Ibadan and Igbora, Ibarapa Local Government, Oyo State, to give health care services to people at the grassroots were founded under her leadership.”

“Oke was the third Dean, Faculty of Dentistry from Aug. 2007 to 2010. Her tenure was remarkable.”

“She has a glittering career at UI as a teacher, researcher and administrator, serving on many committees and boards.”

“A versatile scholar and change agent, a fellow of Ashoka, Innovator for the Public, Oke rose through the rank and became a Professor on Oct.1, 2002.”

“I know that the issues of quackery and perharps the possibility of them going beyond bounds. It is just a suggestion. It may be the time to reappraise our position on task shifting and act accordingly.”

“Dental therapists and hygienists could increase the oral health workforce if we allow them expanded role. They can be entrusted to work in rural areas to meet the oral health needs of the population using the basic package of oral health.”

“Idikan was a test location for community healthcare delivery. The government should replicate this in other parts of Nigeria. It has been shown that delivering primary health oral health care in the community is possible.”

“Our experience at Idikan Primary Oral Health Centre shows that it has been impactful. When we started out, awareness on oral health was very poor, but it has improved significantly.”

“Essentially because our own diets do not contain much sugar, therefore, loss of tooth as a result of tooth decay appears to be less than those in the industrialised countries.”

“While the affluent will lose their teeth, particularly the first molar to decay, the rural ones will probably lose the same teeth or the front teeth to gum disease.”

“If we can’t meet the need of our people through the regular face to face mode, then we should use the Open Distance Learning, ODL.”

“Education drives growth and development and it must be at the centre for any nation to make advancement.”