State-of-the-art Facilities in learning and teaching

The Fiji National University’s (FNU), Pasifika Campus is home to the state-of-the-art Prosthetics Lab, which offers Bachelor of Dental Technology students from all over the Pacific region a hands-on experience in making custom-made dental prosthetics that puts a smile across your face.

The Bachelor of Dental Technology is a three-year programme for individuals wishing to enter the dental technician profession. Dental technicians plan, design, and construct dentures and other oral rehabilitation prostheses for dental patients.

This programme is delivered in the face-to-face and virtual mode (blended learning), covering 10 units, including dental technology research. Graduates from this programme also learn the skills needed to set up their own dental laboratory for entrepreneurial opportunities or self-employment.

With increased social media usage, a beautiful smile is considered one of the most important social assets, leading to a rapidly growing demand for aesthetic dentistry.

Dental technicians are important members of the dental team with a thorough understanding of dental materials and science who use their artistic skills to manufacture the form, colour, and function of individual teeth or maxillofacial prostheses, supporting dentists to meet patients’ aesthetic demands.

The dental laboratory services at the Pasifika Campus provides a wide range of custom-made dental appliances on the prescription of a dentist, which include complete dentures, partial dentures, orthodontic appliances, splints, metal and ceramic crowns and bridges, surgical stents, and maxillofacial prostheses to assist in the provision of oral health care.

The construction of these prostheses requires high precision, and the ultimate success of the treatment depends on the skills of the dental technician. This includes both conventional and digital technology.

Dental technology uses a wide range of innovative tools, techniques, and equipment designed to enhance oral health and improve overall patient experiences. With the introduction of digital imaging, 3D printing, and milling, dental technology has completely changed the way dentistry is practised, making it an exciting field of study.

If you are interested in pursuing studies in dental technology, visit the College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences booth at the upcoming FNU Open Day at the Nasinu, Namaka, Natabua and Naduna campuses from 5-7 October 2023.

*FNU NIKUA LIFTOUT Issue No.9 September 2023*