History

Our Story

During the mid-20th century, Fiji’s dental profession was segregated into two main groups. The first comprised graduates from foreign dental schools whose qualifications were accepted in both the United Kingdom and Fiji, granting them the ability to practice privately. The second group consisted of graduates from the Fiji School of Medicine (F.S.M.), who were restricted to serving within the government’s health services.

The necessity for a unified dental association in Fiji had long been recognized. Nonetheless, it wasn’t until late 1956 that a coalition of private practitioners convened with the aim of establishing such an association. Despite this initial meeting, nearly two years elapsed before substantial steps were taken.

In August 1967, Mr. D.M. Ellerton, the Senior Dental Officer in the government service, circulated a letter to all dentists, proposing the establishment of a Dental Association. Following this, a gathering took place at Mr. Ellerton’s Suva residence, attended by numerous private practitioners and representatives of the F.S.M. graduates. During this meeting, a preliminary constitution was introduced and deliberated upon.

However , the initial constitution stipulated that only F.S.M. graduates could attain associate membership only , a condition deemed unacceptable by many. Consequently, the proposal for a Dental Association encompassing all dentists in Fiji was shelved at that time.

Despite facing this setback, the private practitioners remained steadfast in their objective. On April 7th, 1966, at Reef Lodge in Sigatoka, the Fiji Dental Association was established. Initially, it catered primarily to the interests of overseas dental graduates and was exclusive to private practitioners. Dr. Ellerton and Dr. Devi Singh were instrumental in extending full membership to local graduates. It’s worth noting that all private practitioners, except Dr. Sahu Khan, withdrew from the Association.

During this period, some F.S.M. dental graduates became full members of the Fiji Medical Officers Association. By 1979, discussions on a new Medical and Dental Practitioners Bill prompted efforts to bridge the gap between overseas and F.S.M. graduates. These endeavors proved successful, leading to a unified profession.

On June 29, 1970, the Fiji Dental Association held a special general meeting, during which a new constitution, by-laws, and Code of Ethics were unanimously adopted. This marked a significant moment as F.S.M. graduates were granted full membership rights. Since then, members have collaborated to enhance the dental profession in Fiji.

The Medical and Dental Practitioners Act of 1971 led to the establishment of the Fiji Dental Association as a statutory body. Consequently, the previous association was dissolved, and a new one was formed under this legislation. The constitution adopted in 1970 outlined an Executive Council comprising five office bearers: President, President Elect, Immediate Past President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

In 1975, revisions were made to the 1971 Act, permitting dental graduates from the F.S.M. to engage in private practice after serving a designated period in government roles. Subsequently, during the passage of several amendments to the constitution in July 1976, the provision specifying three private practitioners and three government members on the Executive Council was removed. The membership scope was expanded to include Student Members, who were encouraged to attend general meetings but lacked voting rights or eligibility for holding office within the Association.

Due to the widespread dispersion of members across Fiji, attending meetings in Suva was deemed impractical. Responding to the requests of members in the Western Division, amendments to the constitution were made to allow for the establishment of Association branches. Consequently, a Western branch was established in 1977, facilitating local meetings and activities. Subsequently, a Central and Eastern Branch was formed in Suva two or three years later to accommodate members from the Central and Eastern Divisions.

These two divisions have assumed responsibility for organizing certain scientific and social events, allowing the Executive Council to focus more on policy matters. Regarding professional development, the Association conducted its inaugural seminar in 1972. Since then, seminars and conferences have been consistently held, with support graciously provided by the Ministry of Health, WHO, and other organizations to facilitate consultations from international experts.

In conclusion, the Association can rightfully take pride in its accomplishments over the past twelve years, and one anticipates many more fruitful years to come. Thus unfolds the narrative of the Fiji Dental Association—a story characterized by unity, resilience, and advancement.