Zaid Najeeb has thanked the Fiji National University (FNU) for providing valuable hands-on experience during his dental studies.

Najeeb is a fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) where he is gaining practical skills through community outreach programmes.

He is currently part of a four-day outreach underway in Nakavu village, Namosi, where free dental services is being offered to the villagers.

The 25-year-old, originally from the Middle East and residing in Australia for the past 16 years, decided to study dental surgery in Fiji in 2022.

“I really enjoy the dental course at FNU,” he said.

“Studying here is more affordable, and I get more practical experience.

“We are exposed to real-world situations, which helps us apply what we learn directly in our work, even before graduation.”

Coming from a family with a medical background, Najeeb initially studied pharmacy in Australia but soon realised dentistry was his true calling.

“All my relatives are in the medical field or studying medicine,” he revealed.

“I chose dental because a close family member is a dentist, and her work fascinated me.”

This year marks his final year of study, and Najeeb reflected on his unique experience living in a village.

“It’s the first time I have ever stayed in a village,” he shared.

“The people here are so caring and warm. They make me feel at home. The environment is friendly, and I have connected easily with the locals.”

For Najeeb, the experience has been more than academic. It has given him a new understanding of community life and strengthened his passion for his chosen career.