The PMA Life Award acknowledges Pacific health champions in New Zealand and the Pacific region for their leadership in the health sector and their service and contribution to improving the health outcomes for Pasifika communities.

Dr Misa received her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of the South Pacific and worked as a Dentist in Tonga for four years. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry and Masters in Community Dentistry from the University of Otago. 

“Being acknowledged and recognised by PMA with a Life Award came as a surprise but I humbly received this recognition with great honour and appreciation. This is a huge statement to say that oral health is part of general health and it is valued by PMA and the members.

I express my sincere appreciation to PMA for this award and acknowledge the PMA President, Dr Kiki Maoate, CEO Debbie Sorensen and the Board members for their guidance and support.”

Dr Misa is grateful she is able to serve our Pacific families and sees it as rewarding being able to promote oral health, while continuing to build the Pacific dental workforce.

“It is a blessing to serve our people in the field of dentistry; witnessing the value added from their very own Public Health Dentist to provide and make a difference in improving their oral health outcomes is a big reward and a motivation factor to keep going.

The opportunity to advise and support strategic policies and measures that will enable our Pacific communities to enjoy good oral health for life is one that is also very rewarding.”

Dr Misa is excited at the prospect of more young people joining the field of Dentistry; she also acknowledges PMA for supporting the Pasifika Dental Association, which has just launched in January this year. 

Date: Thursday 13 October 2022

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