Dental education in Fiji needs to evolve, says Dr Parikshath Naidu, President of the Fiji Dental Association (FDA).
He said the association should be involved if any changes were to be made to the dentistry curriculum. Dr Naidu said so at the association’s dental conference and annual general meeting in Nadi recently.
“On the national front there is a lot of work to be done – especially in oral health care regarding coordination and planning,” he said.
Dr Naidu said the negative impact of global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the European conflict has also affected dentistry in Fiji.
“The focus is now on preventing oral disease and changing the way we conduct association business.
“Creative approaches to dental health are now encouraged, especially thinking outside the box in the new normal.”
He said his goal over the past two years is to grow and serve the FDA to the fullest of his abilities.
“Despite the restrictions that were in place during the pandemic as they could not conduct physical activities, the executive council was able to hold online meetings and continued to operate, we served our members and addressed issues affecting health dentistry in Fiji. ”
