Dr Tasha Mackie graduated as a dentist (BDS) from Otago University, in 2000. Tasha then worked in England until 2003, followed by Hamilton (NZ) before returning to study as a Periodontist at Otago in 2005.Tasha graduated as a Periodontist in 2007 with Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Periodontology). Tasha’s thesis was a microbiological study titled: Influence of haem availability on the viability of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia, following exposure to reactive oxygen species.Tasha also gained a Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons - FRACDS(Perio) in 2007 after sitting the Part I examination in 2005 and the Part II examination in 2007. Tasha has been an external examiner (thesis) for the University of Otago (Periodontology Department), previously taught undergraduate students and is currently Treasurer for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Branch of the NZ Dental Association.