ONCDT: a new team to reinforce ethics and enhance the profession

---

Extract from the article: The National Order of Dental Surgeons of Togo (ONCDT) has a new management team. Comprising 08 members, it will now be led by Dr Daniel Lawson for a 2025-2029 term. He succeeds the outgoing president, Dr Georges Tokofaï. The investiture ceremony took

---

The National Order of Dental Surgeons of Togo (ONCDT) has a new management team. Comprising 08 members, it will now be led by Dr Daniel Lawson for a 2025-2029 term. He succeeds the outgoing president, Dr Georges Tokofaï. The investiture ceremony took place on Tuesday August 12, 2025 in Lomé. The new president also took the opportunity to present his ambitions and action plan.

After eleven years as president, Dr Georges Tokofai handed over the reins to his successor, Dr Daniel Lawson. In his speech, the outgoing president praised the support of the authorities and his colleagues during his successive mandates. "This is a time of transition, but also of continuity.  I have every confidence in Dr Lawson to bring the projects we have initiated to a successful conclusion, and to meet the challenges that lie ahead. I remain available to support the new team," said Dr. Tokofai.

 Dr Lawson Daniel expressed his gratitude to his colleagues and the authorities. "It is with emotion and a sense of responsibility that I accept this mission. We will work to reinforce ethics, solidarity and excellence. I have a competent, committed and united team. We will act with transparency and consultation. Our mandate is that of the entire profession, not just an office. Together, we will give our profession the place it deserves in Togo's public health stakes", he stressed.

Board members expressed their hope that this mandate would be “one of renewal and consolidation, useful, constructive and hopeful” for dentists and the population.

An action plan based on 05 priorities

Dr Lawson, elected at the General Meeting on May 3, 2025, paid tribute to the work of the outgoing board and presented the five priorities that will guide his term of office: strengthen the profession's visibility and image through oral health awareness campaigns, participation in health events and the organization of a dedicated National Day; preserve regulation and ethics with the updating of the national file of practitioners, the fight against illegal practice and training on ethics ; develop continuing education through seminars, conferences and partnerships with national and international training institutions; maintain regular dialogue with health authorities by creating a permanent framework for consultation and participation in discussions on national oral health policy; establish a framework of solidarity through a mutual aid fund for colleagues in difficulty and support for young practitioners.

Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. Apetsianyi Yawa welcomed the new Board's roadmap: "Your action plan is clear and ambitious. The government will work with you to combat illegal practice, improve access to care, including in rural areas, and encourage prevention. These priorities are perfectly in line with the Ministry's strategic orientations... A healthy population starts with a healthy mouth. The Ministry will support national information and education campaigns, particularly for children and young people", she indicated.

The new board comprises Dr Denanyoh Amavi Léna (vice-president), Dr Baglo Folly Emmanuel (general secretary), Dr Hemou Pidem (deputy general secretary), Dr Dagbovie Yawoa Corine (general treasurer), Dr Akouvi Michael (deputy general treasurer) and three advisors: Dr Fagbegnon Sikavi Odette, Dr Akedjo Afiwa Geneviève and Colonel Dr Kebina Balakiyem Eric. The ceremony was marked by the presentation of certificates of recognition to members of the former board for their contribution to the development of the profession and the promotion of oral health in Togo.

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Jean-Marie Koffi Ewonoulé Tessi, Minister of Access to Health Care and Health Coverage, received in his office the new board of the Togo National Dental Surgeons Association, accompanied by the outgoing board president, Dr Georges Tokofaï.

William O.