Change of Nomenclature: ADTN Rejects “Dental Surgery Technology”, Says It lacks legal backing

…emphasises Dental Surgery Assisting is the globally accepted nomenclature

The Association of Dental Technologists of Nigeria(ADTN) has rejected the change of nomenclature to ‘Dental Surgery Technology’ for the category of professionals in dentistry.

This was contain in a disclaimer jointly singed by the National President and General Secretary of the Association, Comrade Stephen Eyarefe and Jethro Comrade Jethro Haruna respectively and made available to Daily Mail on Tuesday.

The association called on the general public, and all stakeholders to note that the nomenclature, is controversial and lacks the backing of existing laws or recognized practices both within Nigeria and internatinally.

ADTN emphasizes that the globally accepted nomenclature for this category of professionals in dentistry is “Dental Surgery Assisting.”

The disclaimer reads in parts:

“The Association of Dental Technologists of Nigeria(ADTN) calls on the general public, all health institutions, hospital administrators, employers at the federal, state and private sector to take note that the nomenclature, “Dental Surgery Technology” is currently a subject of controversy and lacks the backing of existing laws or recognized practices both within Nigeria and internatinally.

“ADTN emphasizes that the globally accepted nomenclature for this category of professionals in dentistry is “Dental Surgery Assisting.”

“Through a stakeholders meeting with relevant agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, it has been agreed that all concerned should maintain the four recognized cadres in Dentistry: Dental Surgery, Dental Technology, Dental Therapy, and Dental Surgery Assisting, in alignment with global best practices.

“ADTN argues that this proposed title misrepresents the core competencies and scope of practice of dental technology professionals. The technical arm of Dentistry is Dental Technology.”