“Every dentist and dental assistant
Share a common vision:
delivering exceptional care to our patients.”
In this edition of MedPark Stories, we ascend to the 14th floor to delve into the home of digital dentistry with Dr. Ae, also known as Dr Nalina Narongchaikul, DDS, a prosthodontist. Join us as we explore her fascinating life journey as a prosthodontist, a master of crafting dental prosthetics who makes the intricate art of dental crown procedures appear effortless, not only by the tools and technology but also by her proven expertise through countless dental cares for patients.
Dentistry is a hygienic work
Going back to the time before becoming Dr. Nalina, DDS, she had shown potential to be a doctor in the making since childhood. However, she had no clear idea which medical field to pursue until her teenage years, around the ages of 15-16, when she discovered that creating beautiful and confidence-boosting smiles for patients was the "right on" path for her.
“I have a deep appreciation for aesthetics and cleanliness. When I had the opportunity to perform a teeth-straightening procedure and observed the dental equipment and workplace, I was genuinely impressed. This profession revolves around maintaining impeccable hygiene standards. Witnessing a patient's newfound confidence after a successful dental procedure brings me immense satisfaction. Despite the constrained workspace within the oral cavity, I find this job a perfect fit because it allows me to indulge in my passion for precision and craftsmanship.”
Dr. Ae has a unique hobby – playing video games. This interest has influenced her journey to specialize in digital dentistry after graduating from the Faculty of Dentistry at Chulalongkorn University.
“I have a passion for gaming. If given the chance, I could play for hours on end. My love for gaming dated back to the PlayStation 1 console, continuing to PlayStation 5. I have an affinity for virtual reality and virtual activities. Part of it stems from having brothers who are avid gamers; I naturally joined in their gaming sessions. Now, as a mother, I engage in gaming with my child instead.”
Dr. Ae's journey into dentistry combines her love for craftsmanship, a dedication to hygiene, and a unique affinity for the digital world, making her a remarkable prosthodontist.
Excel in artisanal work and restoration
Her journey through dental school was demanding. After classes, she had to do lab work, one of the most exhausting aspects of her education.
She vividly recalls the rigors of dental lab work, where she had to painstakingly arrange the teeth, apply wax and transition from it to plastic. The process also involved using cement and a lighter, akin to intricate craftmanship, with mechanistic steps to ensure fashioning a beautiful false tooth. Dr. Ae emphasizes the importance of comprehending artistic and scientific aspects of dentistry.
Today, dental laboratories provide essential support to dental services, alleviating the need for dentists to perform every aspect of the work themselves. Many dental students opt for residencies that do not involve this type of labor.
“I often advise junior colleagues that even if we may not use every bit of things we've learned in our profession, it's crucial to know all the intricacies. We shouldn't shun tasks we find unappealing. Engaging in laboratory work, for instance, instills patience in us, and patience yields valuable insights. Once we comprehend the dental lab work, we can effectively communicate the desired outcomes to a lab technician.”
Digital dentistry and one-day crown
Dr. Ae's expertise lies in prosthodontics, specializing in dental prostheses like dentures and dental implants to replace missing natural teeth. She is a digital dentistry avocate, which has advanced significantly lately. Her clinic utilizes state-of-the-art technology, including digital scanning and CAD/CAM, to enable dentists and patients to visualize procedures, design dental crowns, and expedite the treatment processes.
“I've had a passion for digital dentistry for quite some time. I actively searched for dental clinics or hospitals that could invest in the multi-million Baht machine, which eventually led me to join MedPark, which has a Sirona digital dentistry unit equipped with the CEREC system. In the past, creating a dental crown required dentists to take a tooth mold and send it to a lab, a process that took several days before a permanent crown was ready. Now, we digitally scan the tooth after grinding. The machine generates a model in just one minute. We then design, mill, and color the dental piece, completing the process within two hours.”
Beyond efficiency, the Sirona unit enhances precision in collaborative treatment planning with surgeons, particularly for accurate placement of dental implants, which minimizes implant-related complications. Digital dentistry plays a pivotal role in streamlining the entire treatment process.
From Dr. Ae's perspective, the Dental Center at MedPark embodies her ideal workplace. She values the organizational culture and appreciates the hospital's commitment to providing top-notch dental services. The presence of state-of-the-art dental chairs, an in-house laboratory, and digital equipment for one-day crown procedures aligns with her vision of facilitating dental tourism. Dr. Ae is genuinely satisfied with her work environment, where every dentist and dental assistant shares a common vision: delivering exceptional care to their patients.
Turning fear into trust
‘Fear’ is the reason why people avoid dentists.
The primary reason people avoid visiting the dentist is fear, often stemming from apprehensions about pain and tooth sensitivity. However, it is essential to recognize that dental procedures have come a long way and are no longer as terrifying as they once were. While there may be some discomfort during the administration of dental anesthesia, it is an indispensable component of dental care. Dentists are acutely aware of these fears and strive to make the experience as comfortable as possible for their patients.
Dentists and dental anesthesia are inseparable; it is natural for patients to have concerns. However, trust is an essential element in overcoming this fear. Patients have the right to be fearful; hence, dentist has the responsibility to build trust over time. As patients grow more confident in their chosen dentists, their fears will gradually decrease. Dentists work diligently to ensure patients comfort and well-being, aiming not to cause unnecessary pain. This bond between dentist and patient is like that of a soulmate; once a strong connection has formed, patients are reluctant to seek dental care elsewhere.
Dr. Ae recounts a poignant experience, a patient utterly terrified of going to the dentist.
“A patient, approximately 40 years old, sought treatment due to extensive dental caries and decay, causing a lack of confidence that prevented smiling or facing others. On a particular day, with the support of a loved one, the patient mustered the courage to visit us. They clung to each other for encouragement. Overwhelmed by fear, the patient sobbed, but I reassured them, saying, "Don't cry. We'll go through this together, and I promise not to frighten you." We proceeded step by step, a journey that took about 1-2 years in total, which involved the insertion of a few dental implants.”
“Gradually, the patient grew comfortable with dental procedures, their confidence shining as brightly as the sun, and there were no more tears. Eventually, both the patient and their loved one decided to tie the knot. The patient's partner expressed their gratitude in a heartfelt note, mentioning that I had been with them from their dating until their marriage and credited me with the radiant smiles they now enjoyed. This message left an indelible impression. Remarkably, this patient continues to visit me for annual dental checkups and hasn't sought treatment elsewhere.”
At MedPark, the fear of dental procedures need not be a barrier to seeking care. The facility offers access to anesthetists, always available for dental anesthesia whenever necessary. The Dental Center at MedPark Hospital, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, major and minor operating rooms, and a comprehensive array of equipment, welcomes patients with open arms, regardless of whether they have dental-related fears. Consultation with the anesthetists is encouraged; as long as no underlying health conditions preclude dental anesthesia, patients can confidently proceed, knowing that their comfort and well-being are top priorities.
