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SCMP Reporter

Condy Ip Lai-ching, Dental Assistant
Young Post: When did you start your career in dentistry?
Ip: I joined the industry as a dental technician in 1986. For 10 years, I  moulded and produced dentures in a dental laboratory. In 1996, I joined the dental clinic of Dr Law Hau-che as a dental assistant.
YP: What are your duties as a dental assistant?
Ip: I work  at the front desk making appointments for patients and serve as an assistant to the dentist in the consultation room. I hand implements or tools to the dentist when he is conducting a diagnosis on the patient.
My main responsibility is infection control of the room and all the medical equipment. When patients, especially young children, are nervous and jittery, I try my best to calm them down. I strive to have all my patients' dental experience as hassle-free and as calm as possible. In addition, I also advise patients on oral hygiene.
YP: What did you learn when studying dentistry?
Ip: I studied dental surgery assisting at Caritas Francis Hsu College and at Prince Philip Dental Hospital. In the certificate courses, I learned about oral anatomy, oral hygiene, dental technology, and disinfection knowledge.
YP: How is your partnership with the dentist?
Ip: I enjoy a pleasant partnership with the dentist. He is extremely kind to me and supports me with my studies, both in time and finance, as I'm allowed to attend lessons during work hours.
We even attended an eight-day conference in Germany last month to visit clinics to observe implant surgeries.
YP: Where does your job satisfaction lie?
Ip: My job satisfaction lies in the trust my patients have in me. Knowing about  it gives me great satisfaction.
YP: What are some of the more unpleasant aspects your job entails?
Ip: Some patients lack proper oral hygiene and have rotting gums or teeth. I have to put up with unpleasant smelling mouths that reek of cigarettes and bad breath. In these cases, I  teach the patients about oral hygiene.
Furthermore, being a dental assistant means it is inevitable  that I will come into contact with the patients' saliva, so I wear gloves to maintain cleanliness.
YP: What are the main dental problems Hong Kong people have?
Ip:  Although middle- to upper-class citizens tend to be more conscious of oral hygiene, those from lower classes do not have the privilege of dental access and as a result, they seldom make regular dental appointments. People also  do not brush their teeth in the correct manner. They usually only consult a dentist when they feel unbearable pain.
YP: Has oral hygiene awareness  increased in Hong Kong?
Ip: Yes. The government has given more publicity to dental care, and there are many advertisements, such as the one with Twins singer Charlene Choi advising people to use dental floss. In addition, due to the low birth rate, parents tend to take better care of their precious sons or daughters, making certain that they  follows proper oral hygiene.
YP: What are some ways of keeping one's teeth healthy?
Ip: See a dentist once every nine to 12 months.
Remember to brush your teeth properly; use a dental floss but refrain from using toothpicks, as  they will leave  crevices in your teeth.
Career file
Resume
1986: Joined a dental laboratory as a dental technician
1996: Employed at the dental clinic of Dr Law Hau-che as a dental assistant
2000: Completed a certificate course in dental surgery assisting at Caritas Francis Hsu College
2002: Graduated from a certificate course in dental surgery assisting at Prince Philip Dental Hospital
Getting started
Course: Professional Diploma Programme for Dental Surgery Assistants
School: The Chinese University of Hong Kong's School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Duration: 120 hours
Characteristics: Courses cover basic oral anatomy. Students  are taught about oral diseases and infection control. The materials and technologies used in dentistry are also covered.
Enquiries: www.scs.cuhk.edu.hk
Course: Certificate of Proficiency in Dental Surgery Assisting
School: Prince Philip Dental Hospital
Duration: One year full-time
Characteristics: Students are trained to provide assistance to a dental team. Courses include anatomy and physiology, general pathology, dental anatomy and physiology, microbiology and immunology, preventive dentistry and dental health education.
Enquiries: www.ppdh.org.hk/en/assistant.htm
Career prospects
Graduates can work in dental clinics or for companies that make dental products. They can also work as assistants supporting medical practitioners, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physical therapists.



A lot to chew on