Dental Surgery Technician

 The College of Health Sciences and Technology Idah, Kogi State, offers a Diploma program in Dental Surgery Technician. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to assist dentists and other healthcare professionals in dental care delivery.


We live in a society where many often times, manage to live with a disease condition........as long as it's not yet severe....... The tendency for us to demur is very high.......and one of such conditions where we tarry is teeth related problems. Available statistics tells us that approximately 46.3% of Nigerian population suffer dental caries at different degrees, 33.6 suffer gingivitis related disease....


To put into the right perspective, 4to5 people out of every 10 Nigerians have tooth decay, some may be severe, others may not be so serious.......... How many of them visit the dental clinic? Only a few of them, and even these few, most of them go for check up only when they begin to loose their sleep and often times, the professional is left with no option but to remove the tooth/teeth. Prevention is not only better/cheaper than cure, it is also safer than cure.


This Department was created in this reputable institution in the year 2021, so many students were confused as to making decisions concerning their direction in choosing their career............ With the limited number of students to be selected in Community Health, Pharmacy Technicians, and Medical Laboratory technician Department. It was a chance to make a second choice, as the numbers of departments just increased from seven to ten.


I can remember the 2021 orientation program, an innovation that embroadened the understanding of the respective departments in the college, including the newly established ones. The presenters for the dental surgery technician department, though  probational students of Community Health, put in much work and dedication and they were able to change the views of many with regards to the newly established department. Even after the presentation, one of them threw a question to the NDLEA Zonal Commander that graced the occasion, and it caused a shock through the wave.......... The topic of discussion on that day was drug/substance abuse, many speakers spoke at length on different aspects of the theme.........and the dental surgery technician presenter asked.......'Drug abuse have been an endemic challenge in our societies since time immemorial, measures have always been taken to curb this menace, and it always seem to get increase with time, where are we not getting it right'? What suggestion do you bring to end drug/substance abuse in our societies?



The Dental Surgery Technician training program covers various aspects, including:


1. Dental Anatomy: Studying the structure and function of teeth and surrounding tissues.

2. Dental Materials: Understanding properties and uses of dental materials.

3. Dental Equipment: Operating and maintaining dental equipment.

4. Clinical Procedures: Assisting in dental procedures, such as extractions, fillings, and impressions.





Graduates of Dental Surgery Technician can work in various settings, including:


1. Dental Clinics: Assisting dentists and hygienists.

2. Hospitals: Working in dental departments.

3. Private Practices: Supporting dentists in private practice.



Dental Surgery Technicians play a crucial role in:


1. Supporting Dental Care: Assisting dentists and hygienists.

2. Improving Oral Health: Contributing to preventive and curative oral health care.

3. Enhancing Patient Care: Providing quality care and support to patients.


With the current shifts in the academics, soon the program is hoped to be run on ND and HND in the College......... We've come far, we still have a long way to go.


Academic Advancements

Graduates can pursue further education and career advancement opportunities, including:


1. Higher National Diploma (HND): Pursuing an HND in Dental Technology or related fields.

2. Bachelor's Degree: Pursuing a degree in Dental Technology, Dental Hygiene, or related fields.




Just like the annual Oral week, I encourage periodic campaigns in the communities to encourage, and stimulate people to take action in their teeth and oro-facial related conditions. They shouldn't wait for it to get worse.


Aesthetic smile 馃榿馃榿馃榿

                Is Our Pride✊✊✊


The College of Health Sciences and Technology Idah, Kogi State, plays a vital role in producing skilled Dental Surgery Technicians who contribute to improving oral health and supporting dental care delivery.


®Ahmed Salim Jn ✍️ 

18/04/2025


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