University
SEGi University

Current Year
Four

Dental Specialty Interested in
Endodontics and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

One word that describes Dentistry
Artistic

Favorite Dental Instrument
Endodontic files and Warwick James elevators

First off, tell us about yourself & your reason to choose Dentistry.

I never wanted to be a Dentist, but had always set my sight on becoming a Doctor. Ever since I was a child, my parents also wished me to pursue a career as a Doctor. Hence, my mind was set. 

I moved to capital Male' for my Secondary education for the sole reason of achieving my dream. After graduating Aminiya School, I joined CHSE for my Higher Secondary education. 

I then joined AMDC as a clinical assistant. While I was working at the clinic, I got an offer to work as a Dental assistant. Since I wanted to know what it was like, I applied and got it. 

My experience got me hooked into the field of Dentistry. I became interested in the different instruments the doctors were using. One thing I noticed was that as a Dental assistant I never had any time to stay still. Instead of writing prescriptions, I was moving around helping the doctor with the patient. 

Dr. Raghavendra works as a Senior Dental Surgeon at AMDC. He was an inspiration to me and is incredibly helpful. Even after I came here to Malaysia, he would advise me on study methods and will answer any question I have. 

I found out about SEGi university through a friend who was joining the foundation program here. At that time, a representative from the university was visiting the Maldives for a study fair. I met with her and after going through the curriculum, I decided to join. 

I was fixed on studying in Malaysia, since my parents wanted me to stay close to home. After applying, I got the admission letter for the foundation program at SEGi university easily. I then applied for the student loan before leaving for my studies.

How would you describe your experience in Dental school so far?

It was hectic. Seemed like a roller coaster ride. 

To be honest, I did not think that the Dentistry program would have so much of Medical subjects incorporated into the syllabus. I knew that there would be a decent amount, but the size of content took me by surprise. It was not easy for me. 

There is a popular argument among students about which is more difficult; Dentistry or Medicine. I don't think this argument should exist. 

Dentistry and Medicine are two different things. We as Dental students won't know the experiences of a Medical student and vice-versa. So, no one can decide which is harder.

We studied most of the Medical subjects during our first 2 years. And in our 3rd year, we started our clinical practices. 

At first I was a bit scared. But the lecturers were very supportive, and they are always there to help us. Whether it is guiding with a diagnosis, or making sure a restoration is done well, or helping us with patient communication. The fear I had at the beginning has completely vanished now.

What do you think is the most upsetting part of Dental school?

We meet a lot of patients with unique personalities. Sometimes it is hard to deal with them. 

As a student, if you come across such a patient, the best thing to do is to consult your lecturer. He/She would handle the situation then.

How is a day in Dental school like?

In year 4, our clinicals start at 8 am and end at 12:30 pm every weekday. After a 90-minute break, our lectures start at 2 pm and end at 5 pm. 

Compared to other years, our theory part is less. Now we are focusing more on practicals. Some days we even have specialty postings where we go to hospitals and patient-theaters to view surgeries. 

As soon as I get home, I take a 1-hour nap. Afterwards, I complete my prayers and have something to eat before starting my studying. 

Usually, we always have an assignment or reading to do everyday. For example, if I have to do a procedure on a patient the next day, I read and prepare for it. 

Furthermore, this year we are doing research work. Students are divided into groups of 4 or 5 and a lecturer is assigned. My group was assigned the specialty Endodontics. Right now we are in the process of literature reviewing. 

Which textbook would you recommend to every Dental student?  

Burket's Oral Medicine by Michael Glick. 

Contemporary Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery by James R. Hupp, Edward Ellis, Myrion R. Tucker.

Complete the sentence: Dentistry in the Maldives ________________________________________ .

Has lots of aspects that need to be improved. 

I have seen that hospitals/clinics lack proper history-taking with patients. For example, in many places they do not ask whether a patient has any work done on him/her before, or whether he/she is allergic to anything or whether the patient has a systemic condition.

Moreover, the dentist-patient relationship is very poor. It is important to explain to the patient what the problem is with him/her and then to explain the procedure that the dentist is going to perform. 

For example, if a patient goes to the dentist complaining of a tooth ache, many times the dentist would say that a cavity is present and it needs to be filled. After the procedure, the patient is free to leave. 

Instead of doing just this, it is important for the dentist to explain to the patient what will happen if we leave the tooth like it is. Or the dentist should explain preventive measures that a patient should take in order to prevent this from happening in the future. 

There is a lack of awareness for patients in the Maldives.

List 3 things that a person wanting to study this career should have?

Patience is key.

Master the skill of time management.

Build good relationships with your co-workers. You can't work without your Dental assistant. In Dental school, practice this with your partner who helps you with the procedures.

As a future Dentist, what do you think can be done to improve Dentistry?

Modern facilities and instruments need to be implemented in every Dental clinic and hospital. 

At some point in the future, I believe that this would happen. So, Dental students also need to be aware and have some amount of practice using them, instead of reading about it. 

Also, like I mentioned before, dentist-patient relationship needs to become stronger. 

Furthermore, in the Maldives, tooth extraction is very common. Instead of this Dentists should try to save the tooth and educate the patient on how to protect them. 

More awareness needs to be created on how to prevent diseases that occur in the oral cavity. For example, counseling sessions for pregnant women are held. We should implement oral hygiene instructions into it. This awareness will help the mother take care of herself as well as the baby.

Finally, what is the one tip/advice you want to give to our readers?

If you are interested in this field, first learn to lose your attitude. To become a successful Dentist, you will need your patients and patience. You will meet a lot of different patients, with a lot of different personalities. Learn to handle all of them. 

It is important to surround yourself with positive-thinking people that supports you. There will come a time when you will feel down, and there should be someone you can talk to. 

Make sure to read your textbooks every day. There is no other way. Understand your concepts instead of memorizing and learn to have a practical mind. 

Finally, keep up-to-date with the Maldives Medical and Dental Council announcements. Recently, they removed the qualification of Foundation/Pre-medicine and this has affected a lot of students. So, in order to become a doctor/dentist in the Maldives, one should be informed.

Criteria and recognized university list is published on the Maldives Medical and Dental Council website, so some of us take it lightly and don't find it necessary to get the official letter from the council. 

But to be honest, it's very important to have an official document as a safety precaution, that says you are eligible and will be able to register at the council after completion of the course. Because you never know when the council might update their criteria.

The My Dental Student Life series was created for the sole purpose of helping Dental students and aspiring doctors on their journey to become a successful Maldivian Healthcare Professional. Have a suggestion, idea or question? Email us.

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