Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Department of Health has made a historic appointment, designating its first Samoan to lead the Dental Clinic in Tafuna.

Dr. Liva Jr. Seiuli, who has dedicated over 17 years to the dental field, has achieved the distinction of being the first Samoan to occupy a high-ranking position within the Department of Health (DOH). His steadfast commitment to improving dental care in the region is reflected in his extensive and diverse academic credentials.

Dr. Seiuli embarked on his professional career in dentistry after earning a diploma in dental therapy from the Fiji School of Medicine in 2006. This training provided him with fundamental clinical skills, allowing him to deliver effective dental care and interventions. In 2019, he further expanded his qualifications by obtaining a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. This degree not only enhanced his proficiency in various dental procedures but also significantly improved the quality of patient care he can provide.

Most recently, Dr. Seiuli completed a postgraduate diploma in dental public health at Fiji National University, a program that deepened his understanding of public health concepts and their critical application in dental practice. His advanced education was made possible through a competitive scholarship graciously awarded by both the American Samoa Government and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). This scholarship enabled him to gain invaluable insights into the synergistic relationship between dental practices and public health initiatives, positioning him as a well-rounded professional devoted to boosting community health outcomes in American Samoa.

Dr. Seiuli is the son of Maualaivao Seiuli Pepe Seiuli and Uno Lautusi Seiuli, and is connected to his roots in Malie and Lalomanu, Samoa.

In a recent interview with government-owned media, Dr. Seiuli shared his reflections on this significant chapter in his career, stating, "It has been an immense honor to serve the people of American Samoa. I am sincerely grateful for the scholarship that made it possible for me to pursue my postgraduate studies in dental public health, which was facilitated through a pivotal partnership between the American Samoa Government (ASG) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)."

Looking to the future, Dr. Seiuli expressed his eagerness to continue contributing to the community. He stated that he anticipates spending another 2 years in his role, building on his year of experience as acting chief. Dr. Seiuli is fervently dedicated to improving access to vital dental care and ensuring that the people of American Samoa receive the highest quality of dental services, reinforcing his commitment to the health and well-being of the community he serves.