Students from the FNU’s CMNHS School of Dentistry and Oral Health carrying out the oral health screening at the Kalabu Community Hall.

Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences (CMNHS) conducted an oral health screening for the residents of Kalabu Village in Nasinu.

The outreach initiative is part of the CMNHS’s campaign in the lead-up to World Oral Health Day, which will be celebrated on March 20.

FNU’s CMNHS student Sanvish Lal showing the villagers how to brush their teeth during the outreach visit.

CMNHS’ School of Dentistry and Oral Health, lecturer Dr Vidhant Nambiar, said the initiative is driven by their dedication to oral healthcare and a strong sense of community responsibility.

“This initiative underscores FNU’s unwavering commitment to advancing accessible healthcare services within the community. This initiative exemplifies FNU’s dedication to providing essential healthcare solutions at the community level,” he said.

“Regular oral health screenings play a pivotal role in early detection and preventative care, promoting optimal overall health outcomes. This Bachelor of Oral Health and Dental Surgery programme affords FNU students invaluable real-world experience, honing their clinical skills and cultivating a deeper understanding of public health imperatives.”

“The success of this initiative presents a compelling model for replicating oral health outreach programmes across Fiji, expanding access to vital dental care in our rural and remote regions.”

Sanvish Lal, a Bachelor of Oral Health student at Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences (CMNHS), believes more focus should be placed on oral health in the country.

The 22-year-old was part of an FNU oral health screening team at Kalabu Village in Nasinu.

“The Bachelor of Oral Health is an important programme that equips you with the knowledge to serve the people,” he said.

“I feel oral health has been neglected in the country, and with more awareness and education, we can help our communities.”

A resident of Kalabu Village is getting her oral health screening by the FNU’s CMNHS School of Dentistry and Oral Health students.

Asenaca Tuivaga, a resident of the Nasoqo Settlement in Kalabu, Nasinu, said she was pleased with the screening taking place in their community.

“We are so fortunate to have the team at the Kalabu Community Hall conducting the oral health screenings. Through this initiative, we were also informed of the ways in which we can look after our oral health,” the 42-year-old said.

“We also don’t have to spend money on our transportation to go to the health centres for the check-up.”

“The dental students were so friendly and accommodating to the villagers, and they made us comfortable as well.”

The team will conduct a second outreach screening at the Colo-i-Suva Village this Saturday, followed by a screening at Raralevu Village on March 23, and then the team will serve the people of Kuku Village in Nausori on March 30.

Meanwhile, the FNU team will also conduct an oral health screening at the Dudley Intermediate School on March 18, followed by a community outreach event at the Civic Centre on March 20.

FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) students and staff at the Kalabua Village for the oral health screening.