Activity Report: Dental Health Activities in Samoa (April–May 2026)

From late April to May 2026, two members of our dental team visited Samoa. This mission focused on three main pillars—strengthening relationships with government agencies, providing oral health education in schools, and offering direct clinical support in hospitals—resulting in meaningful and productive outcomes.

1. Strengthening Collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Samoa 

Gaining recognition and support for Lumanai Samoa’s activities at the policy level is essential for ensuring sustainable assistance. During this visit, we made several trips to the Ministry of Health and had the opportunity to meet with key senior officials.

In these meetings, we explained the achievements of the fluoride mouth‑rinse program to date, as well as our ongoing activities in schools and hospitals in detail. This helped deepen their understanding of our current initiatives and allowed us to engage in constructive discussions about future collaboration.

We also emphasized the importance of expanding the fluoride mouth‑rinse program to all primary schools across Samoa. After presenting the effectiveness of group fluoride rinsing in preventing dental caries and the significance of promoting it as a nationwide initiative, the officials expressed understanding and support. This meeting marked a major step toward nationwide implementation.

Additionally, in our meeting with the Director of Nursing, we exchanged information about the current situation in Samoan healthcare settings. The Director highlighted the increasingly serious shortage of physicians and explained the Ministry’s policy of expanding the roles of nurses to address this issue. This aligns closely with our dental support activities and became an important dialogue for future cooperation.

2. Oral Health Education at Saipipi Primary School

Saipipi Primary School, located on Savai‘i Island, is one of the schools where Lumanai Samoa has been continuously supporting the fluoride mouth‑rinse program.

During this visit, we replenished the school’s supply of sodium fluoride mouth‑rinse, which had been running low. We also met with school staff to confirm that the program will continue moving forward. Fluoride mouth‑rinsing only becomes effective when it is established as a daily habit, so providing materials and maintaining ongoing engagement are essential for sustaining the program.

We donated toothbrushes and provided tooth‑brushing instruction to all eight teachers and approximately 140 students.

Rather than simply handing out toothbrushes, we demonstrated proper brushing techniques step by step so that each child could learn how to brush correctly. The children participated with great interest.

Oral health has a direct impact on children’s future quality of life. Fostering preventive dental habits through schools is a vital effort that strengthens the oral health of the entire community.

We were also supported by active JICA volunteers who assisted with the tooth‑brushing instruction. We would like to express our sincere gratitude—thank you very much!

3. Clinical Support at Tuasivi Hospital Dental Department

We spent two days at the dental department of Tuasivi Hospital, the central medical facility on Savai‘i Island.

Local hospitals in Samoa have long faced shortages of medical equipment and materials, as well as limited opportunities for specialized technical training. This visit aimed to address these issues directly.

First, we donated dental instruments and materials needed for daily clinical practice. These included consumables used in routine treatments and tools required for more specialized procedures, all prepared according to the needs of the local dental staff. The donated items were put to use immediately.

We also provided hands-on training in periodontal treatment to three dentists and one dental therapist. Periodontal disease is a serious issue in Samoa, yet opportunities to learn treatment techniques are limited. The staff expressed that learning directly from specialists was extremely valuable. The training involved real clinical cases, which helped deepen their understanding.

Furthermore, we participated in treating patients who visited the clinic. By working alongside local dentists, we supported skill development while also helping provide care to patients who might not otherwise receive adequate treatment.

Reflections on the Mission

This visit reaffirmed that our activities are gradually taking root across multiple levels—government, local communities, and clinical settings. In particular, building trust with senior officials at the Ministry of Health represents steady progress toward our major goal of expanding the fluoride mouth‑rinse program nationwide.

The smiles of the children at Saipipi Primary School, the focused learning moments shared with staff at Tuasivi Hospital—each experience strengthened our commitment to continuing this work.

We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support and cooperation for our future activities.