People in the Western Division can now access better dental services after the official launch of the new dental facility at the Lautoka Hospital.

The launch was held at the Tanoa Waterfront in Lautoka and was attended by members of the dentistry fraternity and well wishers.

The new facility, apart from having equipment and supplies from New Zealand, will also be served by international experts.

This was possible through Smiles of the Pacific, an organisation formed by the Newton Wickham Auckland Dental Association in partnership with the Auckland Dental Association.

According to the chairman, Dr Jonathan Cole, this facility will immensely benefit the people of Fiji as the organisation saw a lack of resources in the country and decided to help out.

“This facility will be visited by dentistry experts twice a month,” Dr Cole said.

He said the experts will also be passing on knowledge and skills to local practitioners and allow them to work in the facility as well.

The head of Oral Health, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at the Fiji National University, Dr Leenu Maimanuku said this was a boost for local people.

“The dental school does not have a big presence in Lautoka and the Western Division and this will assist in professional development activities,” said Dr Maimanuku.

“Smiles of the Pacific will be providing regular and continuing professional development,” she said.

Dr Braim Whitley from Anglesea Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons Limited will be conducting lectures with students.

He said he was grateful for the opportunity to conduct lectures and said the facility will greatly benefit the people.

Smiles of the Pacific have been assisting in dental services in the country for the past two years.

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