Project Title:  Smiles For The Pacific (SFTP), Fiji

Jonathon Cole with National Oral Health adviser Dr Joan Lal.

Project Description
SFTP was formed in late 2012 by Dr Jonathan Cole and Dr Mahendra Moopna of New Zealand with the aim of training, upskilling and mentoring Fijian health professionals to meet complex dental needs in underserviced northwest region of Fiji.  The program operates with the support and collaboration of the Fijian Ministry of Health.  Lautoka Dental Hospital serves as the treatment and training base for the program.   The program depends on volunteer dental professionals from New Zealand and Australia who are willing to share their knowledge and skills by treating cases beyond the skill of local dental practitioners during training sessions.  Volunteers may also conduct free lectures and workshops for the benefit of local dental professionals.  All treatment provided is free of charge to patients.  The 2018 ICD grant supported a conference for dentists from throughout the South Pacific.  
 
Project Type: Humanitarian/Education 
Project Status: ongoing 
Contact:  Jonathan Cole, jcole@xtra.co.nz
Country: Fiji
City: Lautoka