Raising the standard
Dr Vinal’s specialty as a prosthodontist
FROM the small town of Navua, amid modest surroundings and limited resources, Dr Vinal Harkishan’s journey unfolded.
Born and raised in a town where educational opportunities were scarce, he navigated challenges with resilience, eventually emerging as Fiji’s only registered specialist prosthodontist and the visionary force behind My Dental Clinic.
“I came from humble beginnings, where I would tell people that I went to a poor school,” Dr Vinal said while reminiscing about his childhood in Navua.
“My father gave up his dreams of doing something in the medical field just for us to go to school.”
Raised in a family that prioritised hard work and education, Dr Harkishan fondly recalls sharing textbooks with his siblings and the unwavering support from his parents.
The challenges of growing up with financial constraints fuelled his determination to strive for something greater.
Despite facing financial hurdles, Dr Vinal’s thirst for knowledge propelled him through Vashist Muni Memorial Primary School and Vashist Muni College in Navua.
The absence of cinemas and entertainment venues became the backdrop for focused studying, determination and mutual family support.
“In high school, I wanted to become a pilot but unfortunately my father intended otherwise,” says Dr Vinal.
He redirected his aspirations toward dentistry, much to the encouragement of his family.
Attaining his bachelor’s in dental surgery with honours from the Fiji School of Medicine marked the beginning of his academic journey.
His pursuit of excellence led him to the University of Sydney in Australia where he completed specialist dental training, earning a doctorate in clinical dentistry.
The decision to specialise in prosthodontics revealed a keen interest cultivated during his undergraduate studies, inspired by a mentor from Sydney.
In 2016, Dr Vinal’s vision materialised with the establishment of My Dental Clinic in the Queensland Insurance Building Centre in Suva.
Committed to deliver exceptional patient care and a desire to elevate oral health standards in Fiji, the clinic stands as a testament to his dedication.
The clinic’s distinguishing feature lies not only in providing general dentistry but also in offering specialised services.
Dr Vinal’s expertise encompasses intricate treatment planning, including repair and replacement of natural teeth using advanced options such as dental implants, crowns, bridges and prosthesis.
His unique role as one of the only registered specialist prosthodontist in Fiji adds a distinctive touch to his clinic.
Complementing his skills, the clinic hosts registered specialists in children’s dentistry, gum care and prosthodontics.
Dr Sagar Solanki, a dedicated general dentist at the clinic, brings his own wealth of experience and commitment to serving the community.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by a dedicated team, the clinic echoes Dr Vinal’s commitment to cultivating lifelong relationships through trust and confidence.
His mission goes beyond routine checkups, offering preventive care, restorative treatments and emergency dentistry services.
“There is always light at the end of the tunnel and hard work always pays off,” Dr Vinal advises the generation of today.
His journey, from a childhood in Navua to the forefront of dental excellence stands as an inspirational narrative. His story reflects the transformative power of education, resilience and determination.
Through My Dental Clinic, he continues to leave a lasting impact on the oral health landscape in Fiji, promising a brighter and healthier future for the people of the greater Suva area.