Adekemi Adeniyan, BDS

Bio

Adekemi Adeniyan is a visionary rural dentist on a mission to break down barriers and ensure equitable access to oral health for underserved communities in Nigeria. As the founder and executive director of the Dentalcare Foundation, she is at the forefront of promoting oral health equity through the provision of free dental education and services in areas that have long been neglected.

Her passion for empowering others and promoting oral health equality led her to become an Alumna of the prestigious Young African Leaders Initiative RLC, West Africa. Her dedication to global change also earned her the title of Associate Fellow of the esteemed Royal Commonwealth Society, United Kingdom. As a Global Atlantic Fellow for Health Equity at the Atlantic Institute and a Senior Fellow of the Aspen New Voices Fellowship, Adekemi has proven herself as a true leader in the field of healthcare equity and advocacy.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Adekemi received the coveted Nigerian Her Network "Woman of the Year" award for healthcare in 2019. Subsequently, she was honored among the "100 most inspiring women in Nigeria" by Leading Ladies Africa in 2020. Amid the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Adekemi's efforts did not go unnoticed, as she was bestowed the COVID-19 Intervention Award at the 2021 Ekiti Future Awards. Her unwavering commitment to healthcare transformation earned her the prestigious 2022 Female Most Exceptional Changemaker in Healthcare award by the Humanitarian Awards Global.

Adekemi's impact extends beyond the clinic, as she is an accomplished author and producer. She penned the first oral health storybook in Nigeria, titled "The Girl Who Found Her Smile," which serves as an engaging tool to educate children about oral health. Additionally, she produced the Oral Health Animation Series "Anita Says," using the power of storytelling and art to change oral health narratives among young audiences.

A proud alumna of the Ternopil National Medical University in Ukraine, where she earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Adekemi furthered her academic pursuits with an MSc in Medical Leadership at Lancaster University, United Kingdom.

Adekemi’s dedication to transforming lives and promoting oral health equity in underserved communities showcases her indomitable spirit and serves as an inspiration to aspiring healthcare professionals worldwide. With her innovative approach and unwavering commitment, Adekemi continues to make a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals, proving that every smile she empowers is a step towards a brighter, healthier future for all.