Teeth

I had my regular dental appointment at the government Periodontics Clinic on 24.08.2015. It was my 33rd visit since being referred to the clinic on 17.06.2011. The initial referral came about because the private dentist I had been seeing at the time lacked the necessary equipment to perform deep probing and root cleaning. In hindsight, that referral turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Since then, I’ve no longer needed to return to my usual private dentist. Under the care of government dentists, I’ve been getting my teeth checked on average every 45 days. Another bonus: the cost. Each visit used to be just RM2 to RM4, and now that I’ve turned 60, it’s free. With that kind of regular attention and affordability, I really can't say I haven’t been well looked after by the government dental service.

That said, government dental clinics are not the best option when it comes to urgent care or “quick fixes.” For instance, when one of my molars chipped, I had it fixed with a metal cap by a private dentist in just over a week. Had I gone through the public system, it would likely have taken a couple of months, if not longer!

Out of all my visits to the Periodontics Clinic, I’ve only been seen by a specialist periodontist three times - once for the pre-operation check, then the actual gum surgery, and finally a follow-up review a week later. All other consultations, cleanings, and reviews have been conducted by young graduate dentists.

During my most recent appointment, just before my name was called, I witnessed an interesting moment. An Indian lady (IL) walked out of a consultation room, followed closely by a young dentist (YD).

YD: "Remember me, Mrs. ……, I was your student!"
IL (looking closely): "Yes, I remember you..."

They moved aside and chatted for about five minutes, reminiscing, before she finally left.

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When my turn came, I struck up a conversation with the young dentist:

ME: "Are you new here?"
YD: "I’ve been here for two months now."
ME: "Was that lady your teacher?"
YD: "Yes, my tuition teacher."

Something clicked in my memory.

ME: "Was your tuition in Taman Khidmat?"
YD (surprised): "Yes! How did you know?"
ME: "I live there. She’s my neighbour. I’m surprised she didn’t get her husband or son to look at her teeth instead of coming all the way here."

(I happen to know that her husband is a private dentist, and her son is also a government dentist who once examined my teeth during a short posting at this very clinic.)

YD: "I’m surprised too. Maybe her husband’s clinic doesn’t have the equipment we use here."

Before I left, I asked for his name.

YD: "I’m Dr. Tay."
ME: "Tay? Is your father Mr. Tay who used to be an engineer with the Water Department in Tawau?"
YD: "Yes! You are...?"
I introduced myself and asked him to send my regards to his father, which he gladly promised to do.

Dr. Tay is not the only young dentist I've met who happens to be the child of someone I know. Over the course of these many visits, I’ve crossed paths with several young practitioners whose parents are my peers.

While these young dentists may lack the clinical experience of senior practitioners, their enthusiasm, professionalism, and eagerness to serve often make up for it. Some take the time to walk you through the basics - how to brush properly, maintain oral hygiene, and even recommend new dental gadgets. A few are exceptionally polite, constantly checking in on your comfort throughout the treatment. Others, however, are quiet and reserved, rarely asking whether the pain is bearable.

But like all professionals, they are human too - with their own personalities, strengths, and learning curves. And with each visit, I’m reminded not just of how small the world can be, but also how much dedication and energy this new generation brings to their work.