I was interested to learn that there are few Pasifika dental clinicians and even fewer Samoan, in fact, I learned that there is a high demand for Pasifika dental assistants in South Auckland but few complete the training.
The dental nurse wondered why there was little interest from Pasifika peoples as the pay is comparable and the work conditions are much better in most cases than the heavy workload of nursing where many Pasifika women study.
One does need to study for a 3-year degree with AUT University in Auckland in order to work with children but I learned of another Samoan who was completing his 5-year dentistry degree at Otago University in order to be a qualified dentist for adults as well.
I do hope more are given the opportunity to consider if this is something for them as there is a shortage of Pasifika and Maori dental nurses (I'm not actually sure of the correct term for them now). And there is no shortage of work either with free dental visits for children until their 18th Birthdays.
Hopefully, in years to come, this will change as youth realise that there are diverse jobs and skills needed in the job and/or business market. But suffice to say that I was reminded that flossing and brushing twice a day can keep the dentist away (except for visiting 6 monthly as an adult)...
No comments:
Post a Comment