University
Emilio Aguinaldo College

Current Year
Second

Dental Specialty Interested in
Periodontology or Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

A Myth about Dentistry
That Dentistry is an easier version of Medicine. I don't understand how Dentistry is any easier because we are almost specializing while doing the same subjects as Medicine.

Favorite Area of Dentistry
Oral Pathology

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

After finishing my O'levels from Aminiya school, I joined Villa International High School (VIHS). I knew back then that I wanted to pursue a career related to the health industry, but I was not sure of a specific field. 

I joined IGMH after my graduation. While I was working as a clinical assistant, I came across a Blek Foundation exhibition held at Dharubaaruge. That is where I learned about the Dentistry program at Emilio Aguinaldo College. 

People usually asks me whether I wished that I joined the Medicine program instead. To be honest, not at all. Every day I get more and more fascinated about Dentistry. 

Can you tell us about your course structure?

Many students do not know about our course structure, as it is very different from other Dentistry programs. 

Firstly, we have to complete 1.5 years of a Pre-dental course. Afterwards, it is 4 years of Dental school. 

In the first 2 years, we study Medical and Dentistry subjects. Since our second year, we have been practicing procedures such as cavity preparations on dummies.  And during our 4th semester we have to perform a full denture on a completely edentulous patient. 

In our last 2 years, we have to do various clinical procedures on patients. For example, in our 5th semester we have to complete the requirements of 22 patients. Each patient has a different procedure to be performed, and we perform some procedures multiple times on various patients for more practice.

I have to find these patients on my own from anywhere I can. It is challenging to find them and fix an appointment since the clinic opens on 3 days per week and the chairs are limited. 

Note that we have to do all of this while studying the same number of subjects as Medical students. However, the advantage is that we do not have to complete the internship required by Maldives Medical and Dental Council (MMDC) after graduation.

Would you agree that art influences Dental practice?

Yes, but it does not mean that you need to be an excellent artist to become a successful Dentist. I am dreadful at art. And I believe that the skills needed can be improved and learned. 

I realized in my first year, that the more I made mistakes, the more I learned. If I manage to get a procedure approved during my first few tries, I notice that I do not remember them later. However, if I get a procedure approved after making a lot of mistakes on it, I tend to remember them later on in the course.

Dentistry is a combination of Art and Medicine.

What would you recommend a person who doubts having hand skills?

What I love about our university is that they guide the student a lot. There are some students that have trouble keeping a steady hand. The professors teach the student by taking finger rests, for example, while administering local anesthesia.

Were you appalled by blood before studying this career?

For me personally, blood had no effect. We are on a tight schedule since our semesters are short. Everyone is frustrated and stressed about getting our requirements approved by the professors. Some procedures take a long time to get them right. Hence, we do not get time to worry about other things.

If you are someone that is scared or gets appalled by blood, I do not think Dentistry or Medicine is the right career choice for you. Dentistry especially, is based a lot on operative procedures.

Unless you can get over the fear, you should not pursue it. 

How is a day in Dental school like?

We have lectures from 7 - 9 am, and then practical classes from 9 am - 12 pm. Afterwards we get a lunch break to have something to eat and pray.

This semester, we have to go to the clinic once per week. The rest of the days, we have classes at university until 6 pm. 

By the time we get home, we are exhausted. We are always in a rush to complete our requirements and we tend to get frustrated a lot. Plus, we can't complete any procedures at home since it has to be done under the supervision by the university. 

So, I take a nap and wake up at 9 pm to prepare for the short quizzes we have almost every day. By the time I go to sleep it is almost 1 am. 

Which textbook would you recommend to every Dental student?

Clinical Periodontology and Implant Dentistry by Jan Lindhe

In terms of social respect, do you think Dentistry is seen at the same level as Medicine, Nursery or another health-related career?

I can't say that Dentists do not get respect, but I don't think they are appreciated as much as they should be. It is a lot of hard work to become a successful Dentist. 

Everyone complains about the pricing of the procedures in Dental clinics and hospitals. Even I used to. However, when I finally learned how expensive the equipment and how much effort they put in, I often wonder why they do not charge more.

Furthermore, in the Maldives, the Higher Education Loan does not have Dentistry as a separate category that students can apply to.  Dentistry is included in the skill shortage list. 

In my opinion, we will need the loan the most because of everything we have to buy. This decision by Ministry of Higher Education shows that there are not enough opportunities, support and encouragement for Dentists by the society. 

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

In the Maldives, there should be more awareness. Even from a young age, people are not taught the correct way to brush their teeth. Hence, as they get older their gums and teeth get damaged, and they only learn the proper way to care for their teeth after they go to the Dentist. 

In Dentistry, the more the negligence, the more the cost. If you go as soon as you have a problem, it would not be as big of a procedure. One must remember to go for cleaning and scaling every six months, so that the dentist can examine the health of your gums and teeth.

In our college, I wish they provide the equipment needed for the course. We have to drive a long way every weekend to buy the materials for next week. This is difficult for us as students. 

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

For Dentistry students, never get hopeless even if your procedures keep on getting rejected. It should be your drive that keeps you moving forward. You should never give up or feel helpless. The more you practice, the more you will be thorough about the procedure. 

Moreover, make sure you keep the balance between theory and procedures while studying/practicing. Some students are excellent at procedures but are weak in theory, hence, they get repeated. In our university 70% of the grade is theoretical exams.

Be sure to get enough rest, otherwise you would go crazy. I learnt this during my first semester. I used to stress about not being able to learn so much within a short period of time. And always wanting to get the highest marks. But now I realize that if you are able to balance studies with everything else you will be just fine.

There is no point of memorizing everything and stressing about not learning enough. Because while you are doing procedures you will be able to apply these be able to learn more.

One more thing I would like to mention, is that I had no idea about the course structure when I came to the Philippines. Nobody told me and I was completely clueless. For example, in the 4th semester (which I am currently in), I had already bought $1000 worth of equipment (such as micro-motors etc) needed for the Dentistry procedures. This is excluding the textbooks and the tuition fee. Each semester we are paying for equipment; last semester I spent $200, and our 1st year costs were $200 as well.

Our professors here at the university tell us that the 4th semester is the most expensive semester, and the costs would not be as much in the following semesters. Plus, they told us that they still use the equipment they bought as students. So the money do not go to waste, however, students should be vary about the additional costs.

For anyone that is interested in Dentistry, make sure you know what you are getting into. It will not be easy. You will spend almost all of your time studying/practicing. 

I would like to thank my classmates (Shimna, Hazmath, Majda) and my room-mates (Malaka and Shaufa) for always being so supportive, helpful and for being so uplifting. I’m truly blessed with them. To my family for the support, love and providing everything I need even on short notice. My parents are the real superheroes. And to my boyfriend for always being uplifting and encouraging. I honestly, couldn't do this without these people.

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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