FIJIANS must develop good oral hygiene practices because of the burden of poor dental health to the country.
This was the view of visiting New Zealand dental specialist Dr Jonathan Cole.
He is also an associate of Smiles For The Pacific, a New Zealand-based NGO that conducts training and treatment in Fiji.
“When we think of Fiji, we think of palm trees, blue seas, sandy beaches, friendly people and the big Fijian smile,” he said.
“I have worked long enough here to know that when I go up to the Lautoka Hospital, that Fijian smile often has got missing teeth in it or decayed teeth.
“That’s not good for tourism and not good for the health so the battle is underway to overturn that and yes, you are making good strides but it is a long battle.”
More on this story in today’s edition of The Fiji Times and in our E-Edition.
