By Kingsley Adegboye

The Nigerian Association of Orthodontists, NAO, has warned that the rapid adoption of digital technologies and emerging treatment methods in orthodontics must not come at the expense of professional ethics, sound clinical judgement and patient safety.

The National President of the Association, Prof. Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, gave the warning ahead of the NAO’s 20th Annual Meeting and Scientific Conference scheduled for September 28–30, 2026, at the Radisson Blu, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The conference has as its theme, “360-Degree Orthodontics: Experience, Ethics & Excellence.”

Ize-Iyamu said the theme reflects the need for practitioners to consider orthodontic treatment beyond the physical alignment of teeth, particularly because treatment decisions can affect patients’ oral function, facial development, confidence and quality of life.

She said orthodontists must recognise the trust patients place in them and ensure that technical competence is matched by integrity, continuous learning and respect for human dignity.

“Behind every smile we transform is a human being who has placed an important part of their health and wellbeing in our hands,” the NAO president said.

She noted that advances in digital technology, diagnostics and treatment approaches were creating new possibilities for orthodontic practice, but said practitioners must carefully determine whether and how such technologies should be used.

“Technology may show us what we can do; professional judgement must determine what we should do,” Ize-Iyamu said.

According to her, innovation would only constitute meaningful progress when it is supported by evidence and used in ways that protect patients and improve treatment outcomes.

She said the conference would provide a platform for orthodontists, dentists, medical professionals, academics, researchers, trainees and other stakeholders to discuss developments in the specialty and exchange practical experiences.

The NAO president also called for stronger investment in the next generation of orthodontists, particularly through mentorship, research opportunities and continuous professional development.

She said the profession’s development should not be measured only by advances in technology or clinical techniques but by the quality and safety of care delivered to patients.

Ize-Iyamu said the Association remained committed to promoting high professional standards and advancing scientific knowledge while strengthening collaboration between dentistry, medicine and academia.

She said the 20th anniversary was also a moment to recognise the pioneers and past leaders whose contributions helped establish a stronger professional identity for orthodontics in Nigeria.

According to her, the Association’s next phase would require practitioners to embrace innovation while maintaining discipline, ethics and accountability.

She said the ultimate objective was to ensure that developments in orthodontics translated into safer care, better patient experiences and improved outcomes.

The NAO was established 20 years ago by Nigerian orthodontists seeking to strengthen the specialty’s professional identity, scientific advancement and collective contribution to patient care.