B2 ◊Page B1 LAB TRIBUNE Dental Tribune Middle East & Africa Edition | 3/2021 the beginning. However, studying all subjects in English was a totally different story. cal and laboratory settings, since it will have an impact in both areas. The way in which we were taught was also quite different. In South Korea, most exams were multiple-choice questions which re- quired a great deal of memorisation of infor- mation over a short period of time. In New Zealand, most exams were long-answer essay- type exams for which I had to gain a good understanding of the topics. At first, this ap- proach was very different to what I was used to and difficult for me to adjust to. However, over time, I realised that it suited me well, and I was able to enjoy this new way of learning. As a career path, you considered art school or studying a science degree. What inspired you to go into dentistry, or to be more pre- cise, into dental technology? Since my youth, I had really enjoyed mak- ing things with my hands, hence I focused on a possible career in art for quite a long time. During my high school years, I developed an interest in science, especially in physics and chemistry. I looked for an option where I could combine both my interests, and a course advi- sor in high school recommended a degree in dental technology, which was only offered at the University of Otago. I liked the idea that the course was very hands on and I could make things using my artistic skill, while what I made was based on scientific knowledge and the result could have a positive impact on a pa- tient’s health and life. After having worked as a dental technician for a couple of years, you went back to the university to pursue your academic career. What motivated you to follow this path? In the final years of my Bachelor of Dental Technology degree, I had had opportunities to become involved in research. This was especial- ly the case during my Honours degree, which made me realise that research was something that I enjoyed doing and wanted to continue. I liked the teaching aspect too, so coming back to do a PhD and pursuing a career in academia became my plan. However, I knew it was important to have com- mercial work experience in dentistry and den- tal technology. Materials and technologies in dentistry are constantly changing, and there- fore, our research must be transferable to clini- Having that couple of years of work experience built a good foundation for me before coming back to the university to do a PhD and widened my perspective for teaching and research. This is why I still continue to do a few hours of work as a clinical dental technician outside my full- time academic career. You have achieved a great deal profession- ally. To what extent did the move to New Zealand play a role in this? Do you think you could have pursued the same career in South Korea? Thank you! I think the move to New Zealand definitely played a positive role in my career. As an international student living overseas, it meant I had to be independent and respon- sible for many things myself. I became more proactive and sought opportunities, which opened many doors for me, especially in my professional career. Also, living in another country, I think made me more open-minded, which helps in many aspects of life. An increasing number of women are study- ing dentistry—in some countries even more women than men. Nevertheless, women are still under-represented, for example as speakers at dental congresses or in high po- sitions at dental schools. How do you engage with and empower others in the dentistry field? I agree, and I think it is the same in New Zea- land. Although women are graduating with dental degrees in increasing numbers, their representation diminishes by the time they reach more senior levels. However, I can fore- see more female students doing postgraduate studies and becoming interested in different areas of dentistry, including academia, which is really great! At the moment, I’m trying my best as a research supervisor and a lecturer to give support to my female students. I promote outstanding work by female students and colleagues in order to show them that they are not alone in this field. I want to normalise that there are women doing outstanding work and research in den- tistry, especially in dental technology, and that conferences show a good representation of all. Dr Joanne Choi celebrating her PhD degree in 2017. You have built yourself a life in a different county, obtained a PhD and are success- fully working on research projects. Of what achievement are you most proud, and do you have any other important goals for the future? I am particularly proud of the research pro- jects and research teams that I have estab- lished and have been working on, especially the one on developing a novel white shell crown for dental caries management in chil- dren. There was a great deal of work involved in getting the project up to the stage where it is now, so I’m proud of what I and my supportive team have achieved and excited about what we can achieve in the future. I’m really looking forward to seeing my research ideas and the findings of other research projects being trans- lated into a clinical setting and contributing to providing improved dentistry for people. At the moment, my greatest goal for the fu- ture is to continue to be a good teacher, re- searcher and supervisor to my students and to give them as much support as possible so that they can be successful in their dental career and do further research, postgraduate studies and pursue an academic career. Dr Joanne Choi holding a lecture at the Teaching Excellence Day 2021 at the University of Otago. Dr Joanne Choi competing at the 2014 Colgate Australia/New Zealand poster session of the International Association for Dental Research conference in Brisbane in Australia with her PhD research.