The School of Dentistry at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) is setting an example by providing compassionate medical care in Fiji, a small island nation in the South Pacific with limited access to medical services.

The overseas medical volunteer team, led by Professor Park Joo‑mi and composed of School of Dentistry faculty Professor Kim Jeong‑gi, Professor Park Joo‑mi, administrative staff member Park Hyun‑sun, and 16 dental students, provided medical services to local residents in Suva, the capital of Fiji, from January 29 to February 6.

Notably, Director Jang Jae‑hyung of Jeonju Agape Nursing Hospital and students from a university in Wellington, New Zealand, participated, offering a variety of treatments and engaging in exchange activities.

The team performed extractions, composite restorations, scaling, and fluoride applications, and adjusted uncomfortable dentures, treating approximately 700 patients in total.

They also offered nail‑care services to waiting patients, distributed toothpaste‑and‑toothbrush sets brought from Korea, and provided hygiene education—including toothbrushing instruction and handwashing training—which received a positive response from local residents.

Many School of Dentistry alumni, including Director Baek Chang‑hyun and Director Kim Hyang‑seok, generously supported the overseas mission. Professor Kim Kyung‑ah (Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology) donated 100 toothpaste‑and‑toothbrush sets, among other contributions.

In particular, the team obtained temporary dental licenses from the Fiji Ministry of Health, received local clinical support personnel, and was provided with equipment—including three mobile dental units—demonstrating official support from the Fijian government.

During the mission, a message of appreciation from the Fijian Minister of Foreign Affairs was delivered. The local interest and consideration continued, and the effort is seen as having played a significant role in enhancing goodwill between the two countries.

Professor Kim Jeong‑gi of the School of Dentistry said, "I was pained by the sight of Fiji, which was experiencing flood damage at the time of our visit, the very poor oral health of the local people, and the extremely inadequate dental infrastructure. Through this volunteer activity, I hope to raise awareness of Korea and the School of Dentistry, and I believe the exchanges with students from a university in Wellington, New Zealand, allowed us to carry out a smooth and beneficial mission. We will continue to strive to provide compassionate medical care in many places that lack access."