Retired dentist launches mobile dental clinic after farming stint

After nearly three decades in public service, a Labasa dentist has turned entrepreneur, opening what is believed to be the first iTaukei-owned dental clinic in Vanua Levu while pursuing his goal of taking dental services to remote communities.

The desire to provide personalised dental care and the freedom of running his own practice motivated Tomasi Kuru to open Kuru’s Mobile Dental Services in Labasa earlier this month.

After 28 years with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Mr Kuru retired following the COVID-19 pandemic.

He returned to his family farm, where he planted rice for household use and for sale to Fiji Rice Pte Limited.

However, while working on the farm, he found himself missing his work at the dental clinic at Labasa Hospital.

Kuru’s Mobile Dental Services owner, Tomasi Kuru (left), inside the dental room attending to a patient on June 6, 2026.

Photo: Shratika Naidu

A graduate of the Fiji School of Medicine, now part of Fiji National University, with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree, Mr Kuru spent months researching and praying about how to establish his own practice.

The result was Kuru’s Mobile Dental Services, which is believed to be the first iTaukei-owned mobile dental clinic serving Vanua Levu.

“With the support of my wife, Seini Kuru (a midwife at Labasa Hospital), my two children, relatives and the Fiji Development Bank, I was able to purchase equipment from China and set up the clinic the way I wanted,” Mr Kuru said.

“Many people questioned my decision to open the clinic, especially given the current global fuel challenges. My answer is simple — I did not want to regret later in life that I failed to pursue what I am passionate about.”

Mr Kuru said the most rewarding part of his profession was seeing satisfied patients leave the clinic.

“Many people are afraid of visiting the dentist because of injections and the pain associated with extractions. I have seen this fear in both children and adults,” he said.

“Being an entrepreneurial dentist allows me to identify potential challenges and develop solutions in a way that best serves my patients.”

Kuru’s Mobile Dental Services owner, Tomasi Kuru with his wife Seini Kuru and chief guest Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu during the official opening ceremony on June 4, 2026.

He said the clinic was open to all residents of Vanua Levu from Monday to Saturday, regardless of background, ethnicity or location.

“We believe that when patients feel understood and comfortable, their dental experience becomes much more positive and they are more likely to make dental care part of their daily lives,” he said.

“It is a proud achievement for me as an iTaukei because it serves as a reminder that iTaukei people can continue to contribute and succeed in business, healthcare and other professional fields while serving their communities.”

Mr Kuru said the word “mobile” in the clinic’s name reflected his vision of taking dental services beyond the clinic and into villages and settlements.

He also thanked Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu, who officially opened the clinic on June 4.

Appointments can be made by phone on 2803547 or via social media pages “Kuru’s Mobile Dental Services” on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, as well as walk-ins.