A Generous Grant of One Million Naira Sponsored by Colgate Nigeria for Oral Health Research in Nigeria


Colgate Nigeria, the world’s leading toothpaste brand, has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing oral health in Nigeria by generously supporting the research efforts of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) with an annual grant of One Million Naira for a period of five years. This contribution emphasizes Colgate’s dedication to collaborative research initiatives aimed at advancing oral healthcare in the country. The grant was presented at the IADR’s 20th-anniversary celebration, which focused on the theme of “Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry.”

At the IADR conference, the unveiling of “Colgate MyToothDoc,” an innovative Oral Care AI Chatbot on WhatsApp, took place. Endorsed by the Nigerian Dental Association, this groundbreaking technology demonstrates Colgate’s commitment to innovation by using Artificial Intelligence to provide free oral health checks and personalized treatment recommendations to Nigerians, all from the convenience of their homes and with just a few clicks on WhatsApp.

The effectiveness of this tool is evident, with an impressive 85% of users finding the bot’s advice insightful and subsequently choosing Colgate as their toothpaste. The conference was filled with praise and commendations for this innovative platform.

In recognition of Colgate Nigeria’s commitment to dental excellence, the company awarded a substantial One Million Naira to Dr. Francis Omotayo Fagbule of UCH Ibadan, the winner of the IADR contest. Dr. Fagbule received the grant for his cluster randomized controlled trial on the Effectiveness Of Oral Health Promotion Intervention In Preventing Oral Health Problems Among Children Living In Orphanages In Ibadan, Nigeria.

This announcement sparked joy and jubilation within the dental community, further emphasizing Colgate’s dedication to fostering excellence in the field.

During her address at the conference, Miss Deksha Gupta, the Brand Manager of Colgate Nigeria, expressed her delight in participating in this year’s IADR conference. Gupta eloquently stated, “In Nigeria, the Japa wave has impacted the number of trained dental professionals, coupled with a lack of affordability and access to dental care. For Colgate, oral health goes beyond eradicating dental issues; it is about ensuring that everyone deserves a future they can smile about.”

Colgate’s partnership with IADR represents a transformative era in oral healthcare, where innovation aligns with a commitment to creating a future where bright smiles illuminate every horizon.

In her address to the media at the conference, Professor Omolara Uti, the President of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) in Nigeria, expressed her satisfaction and enthusiasm about the collaboration with Colgate. She emphasized the rewarding and exciting nature of the partnership, highlighting the alignment of values between the association and the renowned toothpaste giant. Prof. Uti reiterated Colgate’s dedication to advancing oral healthcare through collaborative research initiatives, making it the ideal collaborator for the IADR.

Prof. Uti elaborated on the reasons behind choosing Colgate as a partner, emphasizing the alignment of values between the association and the renowned toothpaste giant. She underscored Colgate’s dedication to advancing oral healthcare through collaborative research initiatives, making it the ideal collaborator for the IADR.

A key point of significance in this partnership was the commitment made by Colgate, wherein the brand pledged a substantial grant of One Million Naira annually. Prof. Uti reiterated that this financial support from Colgate would extend over an impressive five-year period, standing as a testament to Colgate’s genuine dedication to supporting the advancement of dental research and the improvement of oral healthcare standards in Nigeria.