Fijian dentistry steps up to global crises

Fiji: There is a need to emphasize the national prevention of oral diseases in the wake of global crises, says Fiji Dental Association (FDA) president Dr Parikshath Naidu.

The association leader said the country needs to change course in the wake of the negative impact caused by global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the European conflict, which he says affected dentistry in Fiji.

Creative approaches to dental health needed

“There is now an emphasis on the prevention of oral diseases and a change in the way we conduct the affairs of the association,” he said.

“Creative approaches to dental health is now encouraged, especially thinking outside the box in the new normal.”

Addressing the FDA-supported dental conference and Annual General Meeting in Nadi, Dr Naidu said the organization should be involved in any proposed changes to the country’s dentistry syllabus.

“On the national front, there is a lot of work that needs to be done – especially in the oral health care regarding coordination and planning,” he said.

Adaptability in difficult times

Speaking about the challenges faced by FDA, Dr Naidu said he was confident in the adaptability of his team in difficult times.

“In spite of the restrictions that were in place during the pandemic, as they were not able to conduct physical activities, the executive council was able to conduct online meetings and kept functioning, we served our members and addressed issues affecting oral health in Fiji,” he said.

Reeling from impact of COVID-19

To mark World Oral Health Day this year, the FDA organized free dental checks at various locations in the Central and Northern Divisions.

The free checks were carried out during a time when COVID-19 restrictions and financial constraints hampered the locals’ ability to visit their dentists.

According to Dr Leenu Maimanuku, the Vice President of FDA, many areas across the country experienced oral health problems over the last two years due to the pandemic restrictions. Most people only visited the dentist when their oral health situation has severely deteriorated, she added.

Since the pandemic began, and due to widespread loss of employment, many people lacked the financial means to pay for dental visits.

As schools were closed during the high pandemic season, school children also did not have their teeth checked at their schools as part of an oral health program carried out by the Ministry of Health dental team. They also lacked the channels to purchase oral hygiene products during the worst parts of the pandemic.

While dentists and oral health professionals are reaching out to take oral health services closer to Fijian families, the FDA says it hopes the situation will transition to some form of normalcy.