What led to you becoming a paediatric dentist?
I was blessed to have encountered some amazing paediatric dentists and academic staff during my undergraduate study.
Their steadfast kindness and compassion towards patients and their families left a lasting impression on me. And, I found their dedication to the field of Paediatric Dentistry inspiring.
While working as a general dentist in both private and public sectors, I saw significant disparities in oral health among children from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. This left me feeling frustrated, but I was limited in my ability to help.
One of the turning points in my career was a medical mission trip to the Philippines. On my mission I met many young children and adolescents who could not access dental services in the rural villages. The experience shifted my perspective and propelled me to become an oral health advocate for children.
Where do you work currently?
Since completing my postgraduate study, I have been working with Auckland Regional Hospital and Specialist Dentistry (formerly under Auckland District Health Board). Our Paediatric service is referral-based and it is established in a tertiary care setting.
We provide outpatient and inpatient care to a wide range of patients across various hospitals and clinics in Auckland. Since Starship Children’s Hospital is one of the key specialist paediatric health facilities in New Zealand, we also see a lot of medically compromised and/or special care children who have travelled far to see us from all over New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Where do you see your future in paediatric dentistry?
I have just begun my journey as a paediatric dentist, so I would like to remain open-minded. However, I am very much enjoying my current work and I think I will always have an affinity for public healthcare services. I am also acutely aware that there is a huge need for paediatric dentists, especially in the public system.
If there is an opportunity in the future, I would like to continue learning and upskilling, and I hope I can gain some experience in a different institution either locally or overseas.
What aspects of paediatric dentistry do you prefer?
I love the fact that paediatric dentistry involves a broad range of treatment procedures e.g., restorative, endodontics, oral surgery etc. And that we get to meet children from all walks of life – each with a story to tell.
I currently do not have a preferred aspect, but my interests lie in developmental dental defects (particularly MIH). Given the advancement of dental technology in recent times, I envision a future where avant-garde equipment and materials may be readily used to manage developmental dental defects among children (and more ambitiously – even when the child is treated under general anaesthesia).
What do you like doing outside of paediatric dentistry?
Besides being involved in my local church and spending time with my family and friends, I enjoy travelling. It allows me to immerse myself in a different culture while learning about the people, language and food. Over the years, travel has also given me an increased appreciation and gratitude for home.
In an alternate universe, if you weren’t a paediatric dentist what would you liked to have pursued?
This is a tricky question! Assuming all things are possible in the alternate universe (i.e., defying the laws of nature and physics), it would be nice to have some cool supernatural powers and hang out with the Marvel Heroes while scooping ice cream and singing along to Disney songs at a Disney theme park. And of course, saving the world.
Want to get in touch?
Reach out to Yu-Lynn at yulynnlee@gmail.com.
