Residents of Naqarawai in Namosi receive dental checkups for the first time

Many residents of Naqarawai Village in Namosi have received dental attention for the very first time.

This was made possible when a team of 45 students from the Fiji National University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences recently visited the village for free dental checkups.

Turaga ni Yavusa, Ratu Ilaisa Kuruibua says given the distance from towns and cities, they are hardly able to visit dental facilities for regular check‑ups.

FNU’s Department of Oral Health Lecturer Dr Suniel Nath says the main idea behind their community outreach initiative was to provide dental care and to share best dental practices with those who had difficulty in accessing these services due to their physical location.

He says they have noted that there is a high prevalence of untreated dental caries and missing teeth among the villagers.

Dr Nath revealed the treatment included 92 restorations, 82 extractions as well as five people who had fluoride application.

He highlighted that the people of Naqarawai were able to save more than a thousand dollars through these free treatments.

Naqarawai Village is located about 146km out of Suva and has a population of about 290 people.