How did you get into paediatric dentistry?
When I started my career as a dental officer with the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, we were attached with different specialties including Paediatric Dentistry Specialist.
I found that treating children was challenging. You are not only managing their dental problems, but you are also expected to deal with behavioural aspects of it. This includes the family’s expectation as well as the complex medical history they may have presented with.
Often, you have to liaise with other specialties and follow through with cases until young adulthood. It is a personal satisfaction to be able to help the children and their families. So, when I got the opportunity to specialise, I chose paediatric dentistry.
How has paediatric dentistry changed since you specialised?
In terms of treatment, the current concept is that more conservative and minimally invasive treatments are largely provided for patients.
Some materials are no longer used due to their toxicity/carcinogenic effects. And we’re seeing new materials being used that were initially developed for other clinical uses. This includes using ICON, DMG for interproximal incipient caries on posterior teeth and SDF for dentine hypersensitivity. And aesthetic management of hypomineralised and demineralised enamel on anterior teeth. As well as SDF which, has gained popularity in recent years as an adjunct of caries management.
We’re now inclined to measure treatment success from the clinician’s perspective and conduct research on children. The current trend is to conduct research with children and take into consideration their views on dental diseases as well as the treatment provided for them.
What are 5 things you’ve learnt over your career to pass onto anyone new in their Paediatric Dentistry career?
1. Keep on learning.
Treatment modalities change every day. If it is supported by scientific evidence, we have the opportunity to adapt and adopt them into our clinical practice.
2. Make a career plan.
As soon as you graduate as a paediatric dentistry specialist, try to start your 5-year- and 10-year-goals. For example, where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time? Find out what is needed to develop your career. Are you expected to do a membership examination? If you are in academic pathway, would you consider pursuing PhD or subspecialty training?
Get in touch with as many paediatric dentistry specialists on similar paths to the one you want to walk. Ask them about how they have achieved what they have, what motivates them and the challenges they have faced along the way.
3. Build up your network.
The pandemic has taught us that digital technologies can bring us closer. Professional relationships and ideas can be developed and shared digitally via emails and virtual meetings and conferences. You never know what the future holds. You might end up on the other side of the globe! So having someone you already know there would be helpful.
4. Respect your colleagues and supporting staff.
A healthy working environment is important since you spend most of your days at your dental practice. Valuing your colleagues’ input, showing your respect and establishing good relationships with your co-workers can make your job a lot more pleasant and less stressful.
5. Balance your life and your mind.
Spend time on things you like (outside of dentistry) and you’ll feel better when you get the chance to switch off!