Sharma on a journey to become a guardian of smiles
Simran Sharma, a dedicated Bachelor of Oral Health student at Fiji National University’s College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences, believes it is time to redefine how people perceive dentists. In recognition of World Oral Health Day marked on March 20, Sharma wants to dispel the misconceptions that lead to widespread dental anxiety. “Dentists are more than technicians; we are your friends and more like a guardian of your healthy smile,” Sharma explained. “We play a vital role in preventive care and identifying potential health issues early on. By forming a positive relationship with your dentist, you take a proactive step towards lasting wellness.” “People have been taught for a long time that going to a dentist means extracting teeth and having injections with the other equipment used. However, people should not be frightened of this, as oral health is an important topic for discussion. We conduct an extensive investigation of their oral health and teach them about preventative measures and how they can manage their oral health.” The 21-year-old, who is originally from Suva, said the Bachelor of Oral Health programme is very interesting for her because it equips her with the knowledge and skills needed to turn her dreams into reality. She revealed that she initially wanted to become a doctor but found dentistry more interesting and is the first in her family to pursue a career in oral health. “This year, I am pursuing the oral health programme, but I plan to study for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in the future. After gaining my experience for three years, I will join the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme offered at CMNHS,” Sharma said.