NOV-DEC 2020 Pakistan Edition DENTAL TRIBUNE 11 Renowned dental experts ... Continued from front page world-leading research, excellence in learning and teaching and positive experience for students. Prof Martyn Cobourne, Professor of Orthodontics, Kings College London was of the view that though the field of remote orthodontics had expanded significantly in recent times, the COVID-19 pandemic had further highlighted the role teledentistry could play in the delivery of patient care whilst adhering to high professional standards. Prof Tara Renton, Chair and Professor of Oral Surgery, Guys Hospital London said that there were a host of severe diseases and conditions linked to oral health, including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, certain cancers, and also pregnancy complications. She held that the impact on overall health, coupled with a track record of safely providing care throughout the pandemic, was why dentists should be allowed to continue treating patients, even in the event of future pandemic-related shutdowns. Dr Ghassan Habash, Al-Quds University, Ramallah, Palestine lecturer at periodontology, said that routine care was often preventive care and it was essential in helping to avoid oral infections and diseases. He added that the pandemic had proven that it was time for dentistry to be recognised as a form of essential healthcare. Prof Javed Akram, Vice-Chancellor UHS said the pandemic had posed many challenges for the scientific community, including how to drive science and medicine forward while sheltering at home. Yet, the crisis itself highlights the urgent need for sharing scientific insights to overcome the many diseases that threaten humanity. Therefore, we must rise to the current challenge and utilise new virtual interfaces to stimulate the next wave of scientific innovations, he added. Those who presented papers at the conference included Dr Mohamed M Al-Eraky from Saudi Arabia, Prof Ling John Yu Kong Hong Kong, Dr Roman Hossein Khonsari France, Prof Hakan Ozyuvaci Turkey, Dr Ansa Akram the UK, Dr How Kim Chuan Malaysia, Prof Shahid Mahmood Saudi Arabia, Prof Arshad Malik Islamabad, Prof Shahjahan Katpar Karachi, Prof M Farhan Raza Khan Karachi, Prof Arham Nawaz Chohan Lahore and Dr Saima Chaudhry UHS Lahore. Royal College of Surgeons ... Continued from page 2 Earlier, Dr Noor ul Wahab was awarded with two more Fellowships i.e. Fellow of the Faculty of Dentistry of the Royal College of Surgeons (FFDRCS) and Fellow of the College of Physicians and Surgeon (FCPS) in token of his experience and qualifications. -PR Interview with Prof Dr Arshad Malik Continued from page 4 If a general dentist is experienced enough and critically analyses himself, I am sure their clinical practice would be far better than specialists. One needs to work continuously on excelling their skills, which even general dentists can. DTP: Implant topic is not much included in the curriculum at the undergrad level, your comment? DA: During my time under graduation, the implant was not much included in the curriculum. I remember that the prosthetic side of the side was not taught in detail. So I do understand that lacking. But when it comes to the clinical side of the things, the reality is that undergrad students don't do implants, that's why general dentists prefer to take courses or workshops to excel in the implantology. It's the clinical skill in other fields such as periodontology that I feel need more focus. DTP: Who is an ideal candidate for implant placement surgery? DA: I don't categorize myself as an expert. Each day I am coming across something new to learn. So as per my limited knowledge, many things need to be thoroughly considered before placement of the implant. Before anything else, ensure that the patient has periodontal stability, and there are no deep pockets because that deep pockets can alleviate the chances of periodontitis and implant failure. Implant placement requires many minute details to consider, like bone, soft tissues, probing, and lack of periodontal disease, smoking status, and overall oral hygiene habits. If these things are not planned, then there are high chances of implant failure. In my experience, patients are willing to pay extra cash to get an implant. But, I politely refuse them, due to their history. Every dentist should understand that if the foundation is not sound, then the implant can't be stable. Treatment planning is essential. It's better to have plans A, B, and C and discuss the reality of things with the patient. Dentists usually create high expectations for the patient, which will never work. Explain before procedure rather than post-procedure because then that's not an explanation, it's an excuse. DTP: What are the recent advancements in periodontology and implantology? DA: I believe that periodontology has started to get more limelight in recent times. Firstly, most researches, even the one directed to oral maxillofacial surgery, are done in periodontology. The studies done on periodontology touches the domain of basic sciences and others. Also, another reason that I feel is the marketing aspect. Every manufacture companies try their best to create a possibility where they can make something and sell it. Hence such companies try their best to promote it as well. Periodontology enables these companies to open the doors for innovation. I am aware that the trends and advancements in periodontology are rapidly progressing. Each day, new things are offered. But then again, one needs to have a solid base as a dental practitioner. We have guided surgeries for quite some time. Then there is a 'nav-system' where we are looking at the screen and navigating the CBCT implant placement as per the live instructions displayed on the screen. New developments are similarly made in graftings, such as bone grafts and soft tissue grafting. But then again, you cannot blindly trust technology as these devices have their own set of limitations. It would be best if you had your fundamentals strong to pick when the technology is going off the radar. DTP: Any last messages for young dental students? DA: I request every young dental practitioner that no matter how many cases you did daily. Do give Hamdard University organises event to highlight importance of oral diagnosis K ARACHI - The Department of Oral Diagnosis, Hamdard University Dental Hospital, recently arranged a presentation session for their students. The students were given different topics pertaining to dentistry, oral, and general health conditions. Photos: DT Pakistan The session was supervised by Dr Shikoh and Dr Saima, Assistant Professors of the Department of Oral Diagnosis. Students also demonstrated coronavirus safety measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 among the patients and the dentists. Presentations were conducted on topics including periodontitis, oral submucous fibrosis, and oral examination protocols. Dr Imran, Head of Department of Periodontology, and Principal, Dental Section, Hamdard University, was invited as the chief judge. Faculty members were also present and acknowledged the students' hard work. Certificates of appreciation were distributed among the participants. -PR yourself a favour and reflect on those cases thoroughly. As a student of science, there has always been an opportunity to learn more. Try to look at all the options that could have been done and could be done in future cases. I understand that it's a competitive world we are in, so try to study and work on shortcomings even in your spare time. If there are dental programs or training that can offer you more insight, then go for it. Make the most of your time as a dental student and learn as much as you can. RCD installs inhalation ... Continued from page 06 performed first procedure successfully in the unit. Inhalation sedation has been a form of conscious sedation, widely used all over the world with a high safety margin. The patient could cope dental fear and anxiety feel relaxed. -PR SSCMS conducts oral ... Continued from page 08 spoke on the consumption of chalia supari at a very young age which can lead to early sub mucous fibrosis in the population. He also appreciated the efforts of Department of Community Dentistry for conducting successful event to highlight the efforts of betel-nut and tobacco chewing in the population. -PR