By Dr John Susa
The Annual 2024 BDS 5 Research Day was a day dedicated to exploring the frontiers of oral health and dental research, providing a platform for budding researchers in their final year of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery program to showcase their work. The event was marked by the students’ dedication and the insightful themes covered in each presentation.
Held at the CWM auditorium, the day began with inspiring speeches from Dr. Osea Gavidi and Dr. Donald Wilson, who emphasized the importance of innovation, evidence-based practice, and the future role of these young researchers in advancing oral health in Fiji. Their remarks set the tone for a series of enlightening presentations that addressed critical aspects of dental and public health.
The students’ 19 research presentations spanned across three primary themes: Health Professions Education & Patient Management; Patient Awareness/Satisfaction, Dentition Status; and Children/Adolescent Health & Dental Public Health Issues. These themes underscored the diversity and depth of the research undertaken and the commitment of students to addressing both clinical and social determinants of oral health.
Students presented their findings not only to peers and lecturers but also to a distinguished audience, including family members, Ministry of Health representatives, and professionals from the private sector. The format allowed each presentation to be followed by a rigorous question-and-answer session, led by a three-member panel. The panel was chaired by Ass. Professor Dr. Roy Judge, an external examiner, alongside a fellow from the FNU Research and Ethics Committee, and I being the MOH representative.
Among the presentations, several topics sparked particular interest and relevance. A study examining the knowledge, confidence, and practices of dentists regarding periodontal disease in the Central Division highlighted significant challenges.
The findings revealed that few dentists were conducting thorough periodontal assessments, largely due to a shortage of hygienists, heavy workloads, and a lack of specialist support for complex cases. This study pointed to the need for systemic improvements to support local dentists in providing comprehensive periodontal care.
Another impactful study focused on the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 6 to 12 attending Fiji’s National University’s Tuisuva dental clinic, correlating findings from recent years to two National Oral Health Surveys. The research underscored the urgent need for health impact assessments of existing programs, such as the Ante-Natal Clinic (ANC), Maternal and Child Health (MCH), and School Health programs, to better address this pervasive issue among Fijian children.
Finally, the research on challenges to implementing water fluoridation in Suva touched on essential but often overlooked infrastructure issues. The researchers identified three key barriers: financial constraints, infrastructure limitations, and the sustainability of fluoride programs. This topic has clear implications for long-term oral health initiatives in urban areas and will undoubtedly require further attention and resources to overcome.
The lively atmosphere at the CWM auditorium and the presence of MOH Oral Health cadre, including the new Head of Oral Health Dr. Jone Turagaluvu and Divisional Dental Officer Eastern Dr. Marika Lewanavanua, added to the event’s significance.
Medical officers from various fields also attended, lending their support and insights during the presentations.
Reflecting on the day, Dr. Susau shared his enthusiasm about being part of the research assessment panel for the first time, remarking on the valuable discussions with FNU colleagues about strengthening the Ministry’s research agenda. These conversations provided hope and excitement about mapping a structured research plan for MOH, which would enable officers to pursue research topics that contribute to advancing Fiji’s oral health standards.
In sum, the Annual 2024 BDS 5 Research Day was a powerful affirmation of the potential within Fiji’s dental community. It underscored the importance of research in addressing practical and systemic challenges in oral health and laid the groundwork for a future where evidence-based practices are at the forefront of patient care and public health policy.
The theme for the next three years sends out a simple but powerful message: Be Proud Of Your Mouth. In other words, value and take care of it.
Fiji Dental Association 
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