The Fiji National University (FNU) dentistry experts presented the importance of embedding cultural competence into healthcare education to enhance collaborative practice among professionals in the Pacific region at the prestigious 3rd International Online Conference of Health Workforce Education.

The conference, organised by the International Network for Health Workforce Education (INHWE), focused on the future of healthcare education, workforce development, and the integration of technology in training.

It was attended by Dr. Osea Dukuno and Dr. Hemanth Tumur Lakshmikantha from the School of Dentistry and Oral Health, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences with a presentation, titled “Culturally Responsive Interprofessional Education: Reimagining Pacific Oral Health Education,” and was delivered as part of the conference’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) session.

Dr. Osea Dukuno

“We focused on the need to integrate culturally responsive education into interprofessional learning, providing healthcare providers with the necessary tools to address the unique cultural challenges faced by Pacific communities,” said Dr. Dukuno.

“This approach is key to improving patient outcomes and fostering stronger, community-centered healthcare practices,” said Dr. Lakshmikantha.

The presentation detailed strategies for incorporating cultural responsiveness into IPE frameworks, such as team-based learning, language-sensitive communication training, and community-focused projects. Dr. Dukuno and Dr. Lakshmikantha also recommended using cultural competence assessments and tracking patient outcomes to evaluate these initiatives.

The session sparked robust discussions and received positive feedback for its focus on culturally sensitive education, aiming to build a more competent healthcare workforce in the Pacific.

As a result, they suggested that FNU’s CMNHS explore the integration of a culturally responsive IPE framework into its curricula, provide faculty development opportunities, and strengthen community partnerships to meet local healthcare needs effectively.

FNU remains dedicated to advancing healthcare education and continues to be a leader in improving health workforce training in the Pacific region.