The Nigerian Dental Therapists’ Association has strongly opposed the proposed Executive Bill HB 2706 currently before the National Assembly, warning that the legislation could undermine professional regulation and threaten patient safety in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
This was contained in a statement signed on Wednesday by Comrade Anugwor Joseph-Chinedu, Secretary of the NDTA.
In a press statement, the Association expressed concern over the proposed amendment to the Dental Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria Act, describing key provisions of the bill as “ambiguous, contradictory, and potentially harmful.”
According to the NDTA, the existing law provides the legal framework guiding the training and practice of dental therapists in the country, and any amendment must preserve the integrity of that system.
“While we acknowledge government efforts to streamline governance and reduce costs, such reforms must not compromise the core mandate of professional regulatory bodies,” the statement said.
The Association highlighted several areas of concern, particularly the lack of clarity in the proposed structure of the governing board.
It pointed to provisions allowing for the appointment of a part-time chairman without clearly defined professional qualifications, warning that such ambiguity could open the door to unqualified leadership.
“This creates the risk of appointing individuals without the requisite expertise to oversee a highly specialised healthcare profession,” the NDTA stated.
Similarly, the Association faulted the inclusion of the Registrar as both a member and secretary of the council without specifying qualifications, as well as vague criteria for representing training institutions.
The NDTA also argued that the bill contradicts its stated objective of reducing board membership. It noted that the proposal to include six representatives of community interests actually increases board size rather than streamlining it.
More critically, the Association decried what it described as inadequate professional representation.
“Providing for only one practicing dental therapist on the board raises the possibility of a body overwhelmingly dominated by non-dental therapists,” the statement read. “This undermines professional oversight and could jeopardize public safety.”
The group further rejected the proposed inclusion of a representative from the Nigerian Dental Association, insisting that the body does not represent dental therapists.
“Professional regulatory boards must ensure that representation aligns with the specific profession being regulated. The appropriate body is the Nigerian Dental Therapists’ Association,” it added.
The NDTA described the bill as a “direct affront” to the profession, alleging that it could enable what it termed “professional capture” by allowing non-dental therapists to dominate the governing board through political appointments.
“This does not represent reform in any way, but rather regression. It is dangerous, inimical, and unprogressive,” the Association warned.
It also criticised the removal of qualification requirements for key positions such as the board chairman and registrar, describing the move as a “vulnerable situation” that could politicise the regulatory body.
Citing global best practices in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and South Africa, the NDTA stressed the importance of maintaining clear professional boundaries in regulatory governance.
“Collaboration is not co-regulation. What is currently proposed does not reflect the identity, integrity, and dignity of the dental therapy profession in Nigeria,” the statement said.
The Association concluded by calling for the immediate withdrawal of the bill in its current form.
“We unequivocally call for the step down and withdrawal of HB 2706 before the National Assembly to safeguard the integrity of the regulatory framework and protect the Nigerian public,” it stated.
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