Centre for Distance Learning At Obafemi Awolowo University need the Following  Positions

DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES

Professional Diploma in Oral Health Care

Click here to apply for any of these Programmes

PROGRAMME TITLE: A PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA COURSE IN ORAL HEALTH CARE

PROGRAMME CATEGORY: DIPLOMA

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

Oral diseases are progressive and cumulative and become more complex over time. Although most common oral diseases are not life threatening, their outcomes may influence the overall wellbeing of individuals and populations. They can affect our ability to eat, the foods we choose, how we look, and the way we communicate. These diseases can affect economic productivity and compromise our ability to work at home, at school, or on the job. Over seventy percent of Nigerians have at least one dental disease. Dental insurance is unknown and most Nigerians have no access to quality oral health care. Several studies have documented high prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease and other oral health problems in Nigeria. The scanty oral health services available in the country are mainly in urban areas and there is also gross inadequacy in the number of trained specialist; many Nigerians rely on the services of self-styled quack practitioners. Health disparities are commonly associated with populations whose access to health care services is compromised by poverty, limited education or language skills, geographic isolation, age, gender, disability, or an existing medical condition. Several national health policies greatly maligned oral health care practices at the implementation stage. Besides, the number and mix of oral health personnel required for optimal oral health care delivery is grossly inadequate.

The oral health of all Nigerians and by extrapolation general health and economic productivity cannot be guaranteed as long as this situation persists.

Dentists and other oral health personnel are therefore needed in Nigeria to ensure availability of oral health services throughout the country; to tackle the backlog of untreated dental disease; to tackle new and emerging diseases; to provide ongoing care; to deal with a growing and ageing population; to provide preventive and specialist services; and to undertake training and administrative responsibilities?

With the functions listed above, the role of middle grade oral health professionals cannot be overemphasized.

To this end, the Institute of Public Health established in 1994 within the College of Health Sciences of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry embarked on the first Comprehensive Oral Health Programme under Primary Health Care (and based at the Local Government Level) in the entire West Africa subcontinent. These units in conjunction with the Obafemi Awolowo University, Centre for Distance Learning identified the need for community and hospital based interventions to make oral health care and information more accessible and effective. These interventions include training of middle grade oral health practitioners at the local, state and national levels; initiating efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles and increase interventions for prevention or early detection of disease by changing the environment. Promoting policies and programs concerning tobacco cessation, dietary choices, wearing protective gear for sports, and other lifestyle-related efforts not only will benefit oral health, but are natural ways to integrate oral health promotion. The Programme shall include the following course contents: Nutrition & Oral Health; Primary Health Care & Approaches to Primary Oral Health Care; Sociological Methods in Relation to Oral Health; Concept of the Management of Accidents and Emergencies in Oral Health; Concepts of the Dental Management of Special Groups: Introduction to Prosthetic Dentistry; Concepts of the Management of Common Oral Diseases; etc.

Programme Objectives 

• To provide participants with the added knowledge, skills and experience required to plan, implement, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate Primary Oral Health care at the local government/district levels

• To provide participants with the knowledge, skills and experience that is required for the identification of oral diseases including those requiring immediate referral.

• To orient participants to the philosophy and concepts of Primary Oral Health Care

• To alert the participants to their roles in Primary Oral Health Care

• To broaden participants knowledge of oral diseases and their recognition and prevention in the community

• To train participants to work effectively with the community in order to promote self reliance in oral health

Programme Duration

The programme is full time and run for one academic session of two semesters. The programme is non-residential and candidates make their own private accommodation arrangements. Where possible the Institute/Centre assists the candidates in securing accommodation off campus.

Mode of Study: Face to face at the Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Programme Prerequisites

a) Admission is open to candidates holding qualifications in any of the Health related professions including Dental Surgery Technician, Dental Nurses/assistants, Community Health Officers/Extension workers, Pharmacy Technician, Environmental Health Technology/Technician, Health Educators and other PHC workers.

b) In addition to (a) above, applicants must possess a minimum of 3 Ordinary Level (O’ Level) credits in relevant subjects including English Language, Biology and any other related subject at WASC/NECO.

c) Candidates may be subjected to a selection examination and/or interview.

Mode of Application: Application is strictly online.

Log on to the website: www.oaucdl.edu.ng for details.

METHOD OF APPLICATION / REGISTRATION

Both application and registration are done on-line. 

MODE OF PAYMENT

MODE OF STUDY

Face-to-face at Centre for Distance Learning Lecture Rooms, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.