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ePaper created 2018-02-16, 11:39:59 | version 1.38.0
Q: We think that all our readers would like to know more about the person behind the “Dr. Smile social media accounts”. Who is Dr. Smile? What made you choose dentistry as a profession? A: Well, it was partly due to my parents and partly me who decided to go into the field of dental medicine. Dr. Smile was an alias I made when I had just graduated from dental school. Q: And what lead you to specialize in surgery? A: Simple I like blood: D Q: Where did you get your degree from? A: I acquired my degree in Dubai Q: Do you do a lot of reading, be it dental or other? A: Yes, dental magazines. I have many subscriptions so it’s always nice to keep up-to-date via dental magazines. Q: How do you find the time for social media in all the hustle you live with? What do you do in your free time, if you have any? A: In the weekends it is usually the best for me. My free time usually consists of hitting the gym and keeping myself as healthy as possible. Q: How did you get the idea about the social media accounts? What content did you have in mind to begin with? A: It actually happened spontaneously. I had just made it for fun and then people actually started liking and even benefiting from my posts. So, I thought to myself why not continue and gradually improve the quality of my posts so then my posts can be both enjoyable and educational at the same time. Q: How did you come up with the name for your social media profiles? A: It was the only name available at that time which had both a doctor and smile in it and well it came out perfectly in my opinion. Q: Why do you prefer to be known by " Dr.Smile"? Do you have a patent or have you copy righted the "Dr. Smile" title for public or personal use? A: Simple I am a doctor and I fix smiles :D And no, I don’t have a patent but I may consider patenting it in the future. Q: Do you have any other social media account? A: Just the Instagram and Facebook at the moment. Q: Let’s dwell a little more into your social media success. Was it difficult to get followers? Did the accounts grow gradually or could you say there was a turn point where a specific post served as a boost? A: Yes, in the beginning it is always difficult but my aim was not and never has been to get followers or fame. My sole purpose with this account was and has always been to spread my knowledge in this vast field of dentistry, educate others and learn from fellow dental practitioners as well. Yes, the account grew gradually but there were very large medical accounts ranging from 1 to 2 million followers who would occasionally repost my posts because they found them informative and that would bring a lot of followers my way. Otherwise it has just been gradual. Q: Since you mentioned ‘informative cases’. Which case received the most attention by the audience? A: Back in the day it was definitely OMFS cases that caught the audience’s eye but now due to the changes on IG those posts are not allowed anymore and if posted will get removed. The things makes my account different from all the other dental accounts is that I don’t or at least try not to post repetitive content like veneer placements, bracket removals, class IV procedures. What captures my audience’s attention is extraordinary and unique things like dental procedures on animals , modern technology in dentistry etc. Q: Speaking of technology, do you consider yourself a tech- savvy dentist? A: Depends, I wouldn’t say too techy but just enough. Q: What goals did you set for your social media accounts and your profession as an oral surgeon and what did you do to achieve them? A: I did not really have any goals set but I did get to meet and interact with some amazing people including periodontists, NOVEMBER2017 oral surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, cosmetic dentists, orthodontists, pediatric dentists, basically every specialty you can think of. This allowed me to get a better understanding of each respective specialization and admire them even more. A: Children are very delicate and sensitive so first I figure out their state of mind by talking to them and essentially become friends with them. Once they are comfortable then I slowly start introducing the different instruments and materials etc. Q: Could you say that your social media profiles have helped your business goals as an oral surgeon? If yes, to what extent? A: Honestly, I did not have any business goals but now that I am sponsoring a bone graft supplier (bonedds.com) I have received many positive feedbacks from it and many oral surgeons have purchased and used bone from it. Q: Now that you are a social media celebrity among dentists and dental students around the world, how do you select the content that’s most on demand for your audience? A: That is difficult to answer. To tell you the truth it’s always a hit or miss when it comes to posting now. I may have an excellent post with genuine information but it may not even reach the majority of my audience. Now it doesn’t really bother me because even if one person benefits from my posts I am content with it. Q: Why won't you put your face on your page? Don't you desire fame? Why is it so important to stay anonymous? A: It is not worth it to be honest, I like the anonymity factor and no I do not desire fame. Q: In which countries do you work? A: At the moment I am in Sweden but in the future, I will return to the US and hopefully work as a DDS there. Q: How come you get rare cases to your clinic? Is it a public clinic? Maybe in a rural area? A: I don’t post my own cases but rather it is my colleagues who send me their cases so I can educate my followers on the respective cases. Q: What was 'Dr smile's' most interesting case? And how did you deal with it? A: Nothing yet but I am waiting for that special case. Q: How do you deal with CHILDREN? Q: Is there a dental procedure that you didn't like to perform? A: Can’t recall any, I like to challenge myself Q: What is the most interesting technique you were recently taught? Something students can follow your lead using. A: Hmm I’ll have to think about that. Q: What is the most challenging experience that you’ve had in dentistry? A: Patients not coming on time Q: What do you prefer, traditional dentistry (for ex- Hand RCT, Traditional X rays, tactile sensation dentistry, least sedation) or Contemporary dentistry (ex-CBCT, Computer guided implantology, CAD/CAM, Tele-dentistry)? A: I like to integrate both traditional and contemporary dentistry. Why not get the best of both worlds ;)? Q: What are your thoughts on globalization of dentistry? A: That is a very broad term but I think it can help improve international healthcare that will inevitably benefit the medical and dental health service system Q: Had you heard of the International association of dental students - IADS before being contacted by us for this interview? What are your thoughts on it? A: No, I hadn’t heard of it before. I think it is great to bring different dental students together and share ideas and concepts of how dentistry differs or is similar in various parts of the world. Q: Are there any tips you would give dental students or new dentists who inspire to follow the same path as you? A: Be consistent and put out original posts that will make people be interested in you and your content. As this article came to an end, we’re glad to have had the chance to interview this dental role model and give the dental student world a chance to know him better. We totally respect his wish in remaining mysterious, considering that's how he operates in peace. Many questions may arise after reading this article regarding other unfolded secrets, we hope -in the nearest future- to unveil. For now, let's get most of Dr. Smile's world experience and intelligence and try our best to imitate, organize and read as much as he does; not only to be a better dentist, but hopefully a better person ethically. Thank you Dr. Smile, on behalf of every person that’s benefited from you. Nevertheless, a mystery is not a problem to be solved, it’s a reality to experience. And always fellow dentists, don't forget ... to smile :) By Silvi Domnori - Zeinab Jaber. 4