The mouth under the microscope: Diagnosis, service, and impact

About Professor Haizal Mohd Hussaini

Professor Haizal Hussaini is an oral and maxillofacial pathologist whose clinical, teaching, research, and service work spans New Zealand and Southeast Asia. As one of New Zealand’s two active academic oral pathology specialists, he is currently the Head of Oral Pathology Centre at Otago and provides diagnostic consultation for routine and complex cases referred nationally and internationally.

His research focuses on oral cancer, translational oral immunology, and regenerative dental biomaterials, with a particular interest in improving early detection and patient outcomes for oral potentially malignant disorders and oral carcinoma. His work has attracted competitive external funding and includes collaborations with institutions across New Zealand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

He is also involved in equity-focused research and community engagement initiatives aimed at improving oral health outcomes among Māori and Pacific communities.

Haizal teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students in oral pathology and supervises DClinDent and PhD candidates across several dental disciplines. He serves on the International Consortium for Odontogenic Tumours classification which has produced several clinical key papers over the years. He also contributes as an editorial board member for several international journals.
In addition, Haizal serves voluntarily as a Muslim chaplain on campus, providing pastoral care and supporting the cultural and spiritual wellbeing of the University community.

This lecture will be followed with light refreshments, tea, coffee and juice.

Livestream information

This event will be livestreamed from 5:25pm, Thursday 26 November 2026.

Watch Professor Haizal Mohd Hussaini