In Fiji 80 per cent of adults have decay in their teeth.

Fiji National University (FNU) head of clinical operations at the School of Dentistry and Oral Health Dr Vinal Harkishan said this showed in the last oral survey.

He said this was a major concern and was alarming.

As a part of their awareness mobile centres were set up around Suva, Lami, Nabua, Valelevu, Centrepoint, Nakasi, and Labasa to conduct free dental clinics yesterday.

This was to celebrate World Oral Health Day.

Dr Harkishan, said it was important to get frequent dental check-up.

“In relation to that, it is important for children to get their teeth screened so that we can identify if there is any problem and sort it out at an early age.

“Many patients who come to us for screening have other problems as well like gum diseases that needs to be treated.”

He said the public could also visit them at the FNU Dental clinic which was located at the Pasifika Campus-level two for screening, most dental treatments are free of charge.

Alan Harm who visited the clinic said it was good to have free dental examination during weekends.

“We came to do our shopping and we saw the free dental checkup so we thought: Why not take our children while we are here at Damodar City?” Mr Harm said.

“We don’t take our children for dental checkups frequently because we both work and they have school.”

The free clinics were in collaboration with the Fiji Dental Council, FNU and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

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