Tonga National University (TNU) is finalising a new Bachelor of Oral Health (BoH) program in collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Dental Division, marking a significant step in advancing dental education in the Kingdom.
It follows our recent report that the university is in the process of completing curricula to offer a BA programme in Tongan language and culture.
This week, TNU Vice-Chancellor Dr Giulio Masasso Paunga was briefed on the program’s progress, which is now in its final stages of development with input from the Tonga Qualification and Accreditation Board (TQAB).
The new degree is expected to launch in 2026 under the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences (FNHS).
Key stakeholders, including Manila-based Dental Training Coordinator Dr Susitina Piukala, Principal Dental Officer Dr Na’ati Fakatava, and Chief Dental Officer Dr Sisilia Fusi Fifita, attended the discussions.
Dr Paunga expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts, particularly acknowledging overseas Tongan experts like Dr Piukala for their contributions.
“In addition to the active effort by the Dental Team, the University is very grateful to our dedicated Tongan experts overseas like Dr Susitina Piukala with unwavering spirit of helping Tonga from afar,” Dr Paunga said.
Dr Fifita described the meeting as “constructive in strengthening collaboration and aligning institutional efforts to support the ongoing development and eventual formal recognition of the Bachelor of Oral Health program.”
The Dental Division praised TNU’s commitment to the initiative, which aims to address oral health workforce needs and improve dental care accessibility in Tonga.
