THE poor status of oral health in the country is a major concern, says the Fiji Dental Association.

Following its three-day annual conference in Nadi, association president Dr Vikash Singh said they hoped to conduct more awareness campaigns with relevant stakeholders.

“Oral disease is still one of the most common health issues in the country,” he said.

“It is still very much prevalent.

“So one of our major focuses in the coming year will be on the oral health status of the country.” He said the association hoped to engage relevant stakeholders, including the Government, to increase awareness campaigns.

“We also have other stakeholders like Government through the Ministry of Health, which is our main industry partner,” Dr Singh said.

“Then there are companies like Colgate Palmolive Fiji Ltd.

“We also hope to give back to the community by conducting outreach programs.

“This is also one way that we hope to address the oral health problem in rural communities, which seems to be where oral diseases are prevalent.”