Assessment of Maxillofacial Prosthetics Service Availability and Utilization in the South South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

Maxillofacial prosthetics involves the rehabilitation of patients who have sustained facial defects arising from cancer resection, trauma, or congenital anomalies using custom-fabricated prosthetic devices including obturators, nasal prostheses, and auricular prostheses. In Nigeria's South South geopolitical zone, the availability and utilization of these specialized services are poorly documented. This descriptive multi-center study assesses the availability of maxillofacial prosthetic services, patient access patterns, and barriers to utilization across six tertiary health institutions in the South South zone, including facilities in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Cross River States. Structured facility assessment forms were completed by departmental heads and complemented by interviews with 32 patients who required but had not received maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation. Results indicate that only two of the six assessed centers had any dedicated maxillofacial prosthetics capability, and both lacked certified maxillofacial prosthodontists. Patient interviews revealed that most were referred out of zone for prosthetic care, with associated financial and logistical challenges causing rehabilitation abandonment in 60% of cases. The study identifies a critical service gap in the South South zone and recommends government investment in training at least one maxillofacial prosthodontist per state, the procurement of facial prosthetics laboratory equipment, and the establishment of regional maxillofacial rehabilitation centers. Keywords: maxillofacial prosthetics, facial rehabilitation, South South Nigeria, service availability, utilization.