ABOUT US
Empowering Excellence in Private Dental Care: Your Trusted Network for Professional Growth and Patient Well-Being
Our Mission
To foster an awareness of the obligations and responsibilities of the dental profession, to help advance the art and science of dentistry, and to promote public health and health services.
Our Purpose
The purpose of this Association shall be:
- to promote public health and health services
- to advance the art and science of dentistry,
- to represent the interest of the members of the dental profession and the public which it serves, and
- to foster an awareness of the obligations and responsibilities of the dental profession to society.
History of the Association
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Nigeria had a limited number of private dental practitioners. Among them were Dr. Sadare, who operated a clinic at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Dr. Ogundipe, who had a practice in Yaba, Lagos, Dr. Owoh, who ran a clinic across from the Baptist Dental Center in Enugu, Dr. Green, who had a private practice in Port-Harcourt, and a German woman who managed a dental clinic in Warri.
Until the late 1970s, numerous dentists who held public service positions also maintained part-time practices. However, the Federal Government implemented a decree that prohibited doctors in public service from participating in private practice. As a result, many healthcare professionals chose to leave their public service roles and establish private healthcare facilities. Among the notable establishments that emerged were EKO Hospital, Clina Labs, and Dr. Solarin’s private practice in EKO Courts, located in Victoria Island, Lagos. In Broad Street, Lagos, during the late 1970s, there was a flourishing practice that was owned by the late Mrs. Guobadia.
The realm of dental procedures in Nigeria was quite limited prior to 1983, encompassing only basic treatments such as amalgam fillings, extractions, dentures, and scaling and polishing. However, everything changed with the establishment of Andchristie Dental Clinic in Ikoyi, Lagos by Dr. Folarin Gbadebo-Smith. This clinic single-handedly revolutionized the field of Dentistry in Nigeria by introducing a multitude of advanced conservation and restorative procedures within the realm of private dentistry.
In the late 1980s and 1990s, there was a significant increase in the number of private dental clinics throughout the country. Presently, many of these clinics are equipped to provide modern dental services that adhere to international standards, rivaling the quality of dentistry practiced worldwide. Your local dentist in Nigeria is capable of performing a wide range of dental procedures, such as root canal treatment, veneers, bridges, implants, teeth whitening, and invisible braces.
The Dental Roundtable
Since the late 1980s, a small group of private dental practitioners has been gathering casually to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the profession. By 1995, the group had grown to include a few more doctors and had chosen the moniker “The Dental Roundtable,” with Dr. Damola DaCosta of Aquagem Dental Clinic serving as its secretary. The Dental Roundtable used to convene for dinner once a quarter at the Bjays Hotel on Victoria Island in Lagos to review the state of private dentistry in the country and how to strengthen existing institutions.
With the introduction of the NHIS Scheme and HMOs, the Dental Roundtable grew to include as many private practitioners as desired to participate in the discussion.
The inspiration for an Association of Private Dental Practitioners came out of several of such meetings with a sustained clamoring for a body that would cater to the specific needs of private dental practitioners, including but not limited to raising the quality of dental practice across the country; practical, hands-on and relevant continuing dental education and training; liaising with relevant Government Authorities and Regulatory bodies on behalf of members; protection of members against abuse/frivolous lawsuits; forging a way out of the NHIS-HMO quagmire; supporting dental schools in order to improve the quality of dental surgeons entering the labor market; assisting the Nigerian Dental Association in directing and influencing oral health policy at the national and state levels; and collaborating with all stakeholders in the promotion of oral care and oral care products, to name a few.
With more than 300 members and 100 practices, the Association has formally commenced operations since its incorporation at the Corporate Affairs Commission. having organized several programs for continuing dental education in collaboration with the Nigerian Dental Association. It is noteworthy that the Nigerian Dental Association continues to be the parent body association and will collaborate with the NDA to accomplish the ultimate goal of achieving good oral health for all Nigerians.
Executive Committe 2023/2024

Dr. Afolabi Ogunderu
President

Dr. Folayemi Kola-Bankole
Vice President

Dr. Abimbola Odusote
General Secretary

Dr. Kabir Mohammed
Assistant Gen Sec

Dr. Opeyemi Okoisor
PRO

Dr. Queen Elumaro
Treasurer

Dr. Utekim Uku
Internal Auditor
Board of Trustees

Dr 'Bode Karunwi

Dr Mariah Naboya

Dr. Victor Adedamola DaCosta

Dr. Yemisi Fadahunsi

Dr Ladun Ibidapo

Dr Uche Iheme

Col Dr Jimi Oshisanya
Empowering Excellence in Private Dental Care
Useful Links
Contact:
Address: 7b Mabinuori Dawodu Street, Off Charly Boy, Gbagada, Lagos
Email: info@apdpn.org
Call/Whatsapp:
+234 812 251 4673
+234 803 319 2189