398th Inaugural Lecture: Professor Kikelomo Adebanke Kolawole

Prof. Kikelomo Kolawole

A Threefold Cord That Is Not Quickly Broken: Rethinking Dental Health and Human Dignity

On May 27, 2025, Professor Kikelomo Adebanke Kolawole, a distinguished orthodontist and academic at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), delivered the university’s 398th Inaugural Lecture titled “A Threefold Cord That Is Not Quickly Broken: The Kinship of the Face, the Teeth and Quality of Life.”

Professor Kikelomo Adebanke Kolawole's Inaugural Lecture explores the intricate relationship between facial structure, dental health, and overall well-being are interwoven, and why this matters for public health, cultural identity, and human dignity.

Key Themes and Insights

·       Interconnectedness of Facial and Dental Health The lecture emphasizes how the face and teeth are not just anatomical features but deeply interconnected systems that influence each other and impact a person's quality of life.

·       Orthodontics Beyond Aesthetics Professor Kolawole highlights that orthodontics isn't merely about straightening teeth, it plays a vital role in improving speech, self-esteem, and social interactions.

·       Quality of Life as a Central Concern She argues that dental and facial harmony contributes significantly to psychological and emotional health, making orthodontic care a public health priority.

·       Cultural and Social Dimensions The lecture touches on how societal perceptions of beauty and facial symmetry affect individuals' confidence and opportunities, especially in African contexts.

·       Call for Holistic Healthcare Professor Kolawole advocates for integrated healthcare approaches that consider dental health as essential to overall wellness, urging collaboration between medical and dental professionals.

The Core Thesis

Professor Kolawole’s central argument is that the face and teeth are not merely anatomical features but deeply connected systems that shape a person’s physical, emotional, and social life. Using the biblical metaphor of a “threefold cord,” she emphasizes the resilience and interdependence of these elements, urging society to view dental health as a vital component of holistic well-being.

Cultural Dimensions

The lecture delves into how African societies perceive facial and dental aesthetics:

• Beauty and Acceptance: Symmetry and well-aligned teeth are often equated with beauty, health, and virtue.
• Stigma and Exclusion: Individuals with facial or dental anomalies may face discrimination, affecting their confidence and opportunities.
• Traditional Beliefs: Indigenous interpretations of facial traits can influence attitudes toward orthodontic care.
• Global Influence: Western beauty standards are reshaping local perceptions, especially among youth.

Public Health Implications

Professor Kolawole calls for a paradigm shift in public health:

• Oral Health as Essential: Dental care should be integrated into national health policies.
• Mental Health Linkages: Poor dental health can lead to psychological distress.
• Equity in Access: Subsidized orthodontic care is vital for underserved communities.
• Culturally Sensitive Outreach: Education campaigns must address myths and promote empathy.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: A holistic approach involving dentists, psychologists, and public health experts is essential.

Ethical and Philosophical Insights

Beyond clinical concerns, the lecture frames orthodontic care as a human right:

• Healthcare Justice: Everyone deserves access to treatments that restore dignity and confidence.
• Empathy in Practice: Healthcare providers must understand the emotional weight of facial and dental conditions.
• Holistic Flourishing: The lecture invites society to value not just health, but the humanity behind every face and smile.

Public and Media Reactions

The lecture was streamed on OAU’s YouTube channel and received widespread acclaim:

• Public Praise: Viewers celebrated Professor Kolawole’s clarity, compassion, and trailblazing role.
• Media Coverage: The university and academic platforms highlighted the lecture’s interdisciplinary relevance.
• Professional Endorsement: Dental and medical communities echoed her call for inclusive care.

Community Programs in Action

Several initiatives reflect the lecture’s vision:

• Dental Experience Nigeria: Mobile clinics and school outreach.
• OHAI Africa: Advocacy and cleft surgeries in underserved areas.
• Lugbe Dental Outreach: Free check-ups and hygiene education.
• School Dental Clubs: Empowering children as oral health ambassadors.

Last Line

Professor Kolawole’s lecture is more than an academic milestone—it’s a clarion call for justice, empathy, and transformation in healthcare. It challenges us to see the face and teeth not just as biological structures, but as mirrors of identity, dignity, and possibility.