THE commissioning of the Nadi Dental Prosthetic Laboratory represents a landmark achievement in the advancement of oral health services in Fiji, says Health and Medical Services chief medical adviser Dr Luisa Cikamatana.
Officiating at the World Oral Health Day celebrations in Nadi, Dr Cikamatana said the facility was the first of its kind at sub-divisional level.
She said it signified a paradigm shift in the approach to delivering specialised dental care.
“The establishment of the Nadi Dental Prosthetic Laboratory will yield numerous tangible benefits, directly impacting the lives of Fijians,” Dr Cikamatana said.
She said decentralising prosthetic services would significantly reduce geographical barriers and waiting times, particularly for vulnerable populations in the West.
“This improved access will ensure timely provision of critical dental prostheses.
“The laboratory will enable the production of high-quality, customised dental prostheses, leading to enhanced oral function, improved aesthetics and a significant boost in patients’ quality of life.”
Nadi Sub-division Hospital acting principal dental officer Dr Pranesh Sami conducts a dental check-up on Saimone Tawake at Nadi Hospital.
Picture: BALJEET SINGH
