More than 1,000 people lined up for free dental screenings in Nausori on the first day of a two-day outreach, making it clear just how many residents are seeking basic oral health care.
Fijian health campaigns are increasingly combining dental screenings with heart health checks, reflecting a shift toward integrated preventive care in the region.
Colgate-Palmolive Fiji General Manager Alex Graudins, whose team organized the event, said, "Today we've got free dental health checks, which we're really excited to bring to the community to help the young individuals, the families, the kids, just making sure that oral hygiene is a priority."
Graudins stressed that oral health is closely tied to overall wellbeing. "I think it's really important, oral health care, not only just for the mouth and the teeth, but for overall health. So use a fluoride toothpaste, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, and check regularly for any potential decay or preventative measures for future issues."
Fiji has recently invested in diagnostic upgrades, including the rollout of AI-powered X-ray systems at health sites such as Nausori Health Centre, as part of broader efforts to modernize access to care.
Throughout the day, the message was clear: prevention matters more than waiting for a crisis. Attendees were told to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, avoid rinsing right after brushing, cut down on sugar, and avoid smoking. The advice was direct-don't wait for pain or visible problems before seeing a dentist. This matches Colgate's oral-health guidance, which focuses on fluoride-based prevention and regular care. More details are available in the Colgate oral-health resource.
The turnout in Nausori highlights the gap between what people need and what's available in oral health care. When over a thousand people show up for basic screenings in a single day, the scale of unmet demand is hard to ignore. Prevention and early intervention are essential for communities where access is still limited.
Fijian public-health campaigns continue to encourage early checks for heart-health risks, with other local events this week also offering free heart screenings, according to recent health reporting. This is part of a broader push for integrated community screening programs.
