The Fiji National University’s (FNU) newly introduced Certificate IV in Dental Assisting programme will train graduates who work closely and assist dentists and dental specialists in their day to day work.

FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) Head of School Dentistry and Oral Health Dr Osea Dukuno said the programme provides students with knowledge and skills relating to dental chairside assisting and office administration.

“It will prepare students to assist and be part of the dental team in clinics and community outreach initiatives through our dynamic curriculum for this programme which combines oral biology and diseases, clinical dentistry and dental assisting,” stated Dr Dukuno.

As the only institution that provides dental training at multiple levels, FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) ensures that students are trained to be advocates in the area of population oral health. Through the training and serving in communities students, can advocate and empower the population on good oral health practices.

“At FNU, we provide training in developing appropriate clinical skills in general dental practice, develop strategies to improve the oral health status of the general population (Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease), and to focus on research areas in oral health and develop skills in reporting and evaluation,” explained Dr Dukuno.

According to the senior academic, FNU’s School Dentistry and Oral Health at CMNHS is the oral health workforce training institution for the region and students from the Pacific islands are part of the dentistry programmes.

“Our Oral Health programme gives more insight into oral health conditions with more sound knowledge in basic science. Clinical training provides multidiscipline care for the holistic treatment of patients. There are other specialities in the field of dentistry that graduates can pursue to specialise in.”

Enrolment for Semester 2, 2021 is currently underway and interested students can visit the FNU website on www.fnu.ac.fj to learn more.

Prospective students can also text on 857 or email on admission@fnu.ac.fj if they face difficulties completing the process online or need further information on enrolment.