Otago tauira Ethan Kamana, who graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the weekend, is pictured with his mother Ripora Mihaere and father Aaron Kamana ahead of Te Heika Pounamu – Māori pre-graduation ceremony on Friday.
“Every fibre” in Ethan Kamana (Taranaki, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, Ngāti Maniapoto) is driven to better support underserved communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ethan, who graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the weekend, says his interest in healthcare was sparked early through his mum. She practices rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing), giving him “a small window into healthcare”.
“I'm glad that I can say my whānau is immensely proud of all the mahi it took to go through university, and I am proud to be able to receive this tohu for them.”
Dentistry felt like a path Ethan could see himself on for the long term.
“… and I think I was right,” he says.
“Now, every fibre in me wants to start working to lessen health inequities and lead all of my patients towards their best oral health outcomes.”
Since graduating, Ethan plans to continue building his clinical skills and expanding the range of dental treatment he can provide.
“It is an exciting time. To see my plan succeed almost feels like a surprise – I never doubted my capabilities, but the effort it took to get here was immense.”
“Nevertheless, we live here in the present, and the mana is on fire right now.”
He recently began mahi at Tipu Ora, a Māori health provider in Rotorua, an opportunity he describes as a privilege.
“I have been asked if I thought of mahi overseas, but my Māoritanga anchors me to Aotearoa. There is no greater gratification than being able to provide for Māori.”
Dentistry graduate Ethan Kamana’s wider whānaunga were excited to celebrate his achievement.
Te Niho ā Tana
During his studies, Ethan and a few of his peers created Te Niho ā Tana – a children's book aimed at helping tamariki learn the “do's and don'ts” of dental care.
The story follows the character Tana as he demonstrates how he cares for his teeth, represented as his friend Niho.
“We realised we could start purposefully supporting the Māori community. As a project under our control, we wanted to target Māori, and thought it necessary to start with our young, so that they may retain that mātauranga to prevent oral complications later in life.”
The picture book, written in both English and te reo Māori, also included a detailed guide on oral health care for different age brackets.
Though not currently available to the wider public, he hopes with some support he will soon be able to officially release it.
Ethan credits the University’s support systems for allowing him to thrive in his degree.
“I am grateful for all the support and opportunities that led me here. I may not be in the same position without the University's Māori support systems, the Faculty of Dentistry, and of course, my friends and family.”
Comparing the relatively short years spent at University to the length of life itself kept Ethan grounded.
“That thought is what keeps me low stress and motivated in the present. I think it worked.”
For rangatahi considering more demanding study, his advice is direct.
“First, consider whether the degree will lead to the future you desire. Second, start learning how to reach the milestones to make that future happen. Finally, reconsider? Nah – mahi hard and don't give up. The future you desire is just a matter of time.”
– Kōrero by Ani Ngawhika, Māori Communications Adviser
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