The budget allocation to dentistry is often low and regarded as under-rated and undervalued.
Smiles For The Pacific executive, Dr Brian Whitley, told FBC News that Fiji is not alone as this is the case in New Zealand and other parts of the world.
The organisation donated more than $200,000 worth of dental equipment to the Lautoka Hospital last week.
Whitley says oral health is important and should be given priority in the health system.
“So, the plan for this department in conjunction with Smiles for the Pacific is to upgrade facilities. To improve the operating chairs, providing additional equipment and consumables.”
The group comes to Fiji once a year to provide training to dental professionals in Lautoka.
Dr Whitley says they will be sending their third container load of dental equipment to Labasa soon.
