Page 8 - ICD Newsletter November 2022 Final Draft6

Odontology Team, Tonga. She published over 10
scientific research papers between 2001-2009 while a
postgraduate and PhD candidate and was previously
involved with teaching undergraduate students in
oral pathology, Nihon University, Japan. The awarding
of ICD Fellowship to Drs Fakakovikaetau and Fifita
was acknowledged at the recent opening of the new
dental clinic at Solate College in Tonga. CLICK HERE to
hear the acknowledgement of ICD Fellowship during
the opening ceremony (video courtesy of David
Goldsmith and Paula Moimoi Latu of Tonga Vision).

History of ICD in New Zealand

Clive Ross CNZM awards ICD Fellowship
to Dr Sisilia Fusi Fifita A history of ICD in New Zealand was compiled
for the ICD centenary celebration planned
for September 2021 in Rotorua. Due to the
Dr Sisilia Fusi Fifita completed her BDS at the PNG cancellation of the Rotorua function, the
Dental School and completed a PhD in oral pathology history has never been shared with Section
at the Nihon University in Japan. VIII Fellows. CLICK HERE to read about the

history of ICD in New Zealand compiled by
Sisilia is an oral pathology specialist in the Tonga Jackie and Ron Robinson in August 2021.
Ministry of Health. She has given 29 years of service
in the Oral Health Division of the Tonga Ministry of
Health since 1993 and continues to provide general First NZ Honorary Fellow
dental services within the public health system.
Sisilia is an oral pathology consultant at the Vaiola Dr Elizabeth (Liz) Webb
National Hospital. She is the coordinator of the
MaliMali (Smile) program which oversees preventive
dentistry throughout the Kingdom of Tonga, a
service that includes supervised toothbrushing
and fluoride mouth rinse programs in schools,
fluoride applications of carious deciduous teeth
and monitoring the program results with DMFT and
DMFT surveys.

Dr Fifita lectures in dental assisting and dental
therapy training courses in Tonga. She is a member
of the South Pacific Medical Team which coordinates
Japanese volunteers to Tonga and has been a
member of the Health Advisory Committee of His At the ICD induction ceremony in Christchurch on
Majesty’s Privy Council since 2020. Dr Fifita has August 20, Dr Elizabeth Webb was inducted as the
been a member of the Special Olympic Committee first Honorary Fellow from New Zealand. The Board
for Tonga since 2015 and is a member of the Forensic confers Honorary Fellowship upon an individual (not

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