MDCN increases admission slots of dentistry students in UNN
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has significantly boosted the training of dental surgeons in the Southeast with the approval of an increase in the admission quota of
- By Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has significantly boosted the training of dental surgeons in the Southeast with the approval of an increase in the admission quota of the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), from 15 to 60 students.
With the development, the faculty now holds the highest admission quota for dental students in the country, marking a major milestone in dental education in Nigeria.
The quota had remained at 15 for the past 14 years, a limitation that stakeholders say constrained the growth and practice of dentistry in the region.
The increase followed a comprehensive two-day accreditation exercise carried out last week by an MDCN team, which assessed the faculty’s facilities, manpower, and overall capacity.
Speaking in Enugu, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Linda Oge Okoye, described the approval as a breakthrough that would expand opportunities for aspiring dental surgeons.
According to her, the increased quota would enable the institution to train more professionals to address oral health challenges in the Southeast and beyond.
“This increase in quota will help us produce more dental surgeons who will cater to the oral health needs of the people,” she said.
Okoye further disclosed that the MDCN also approved an increase in the dental housemanship quota of the institution’s teaching hospital to 48.
She attributed the success to the collective efforts of the university leadership, staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders.
The Dean specifically appreciated the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, and the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Hyginus Ezegwui, for their support.
She noted that contributions from alumni and stakeholders played a critical role in upgrading laboratories and expanding teaching facilities within the Faculty.
Okoye also expressed gratitude to God for the landmark achievement, describing it as a new chapter in the advancement of dental education at UNN.
