The 30th Fiji Oral Health Association Conference underscored the growing need for medical care as a result of challenges stemming from COVID-19, disease outbreaks, and oral health issues.
Dr. Luisa Cikamatana, Chief Medical Advisor, emphasized that unhealthy diets and climate change have negatively impacted the health of Pacific communities.
According to the Global Burden of Disease Study from 2019, oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide, with high sugar intake linked to diabetes, obesity, and dental caries.
Dr. Cikamatana highlighted the Government’s dedication to combating Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) through a multi-sectoral strategy.
The upcoming 2024-2025 budget will focus on community outreach, acknowledging the crucial role of dental professionals in responding to the pandemic and preparing for future health challenges.
Association President Dr. Mehar Ali called on dentists to pursue further education, as the field of dentistry is continually evolving.
She pointed out that the conference serves as a platform for practitioners to exchange knowledge on the latest innovations and trends in dentistry.
This year’s theme, “Cultivating Connections, Communications, and Collaborations,” emphasizes the importance of teamwork in the dental profession.