Oh the sleepless night...

REASONS FOR INTEREST IN THIS COURSE

I was exposed to orthodontic treatment since at a young age. Before I was orthodontically treated, I was lacking in self confidence and self esteem. I had a malocclusion with severe crowding which made me a social recluse. My orthodontist corrected my smile and I became less timid, more contented and confident. I presume that the feeling of giving people that much impact on improving their quality of life, whereby the ability to improve their self confidence and self esteem is extremely overwhelming, hence, me being in dentistry.

However, being in the dental world over the years and trained in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) under the philosophy of Professor Abdul Rani, a respected oral maxillofacial surgeon in the region and the founder dean, I was exposed to a more challenging and wider scope of dentistry and medicine. I was indulged in more serious matters of health affecting the head and neck region. I learned that there are more concerns regarding the oral cavity, head and neck that a dentist or an oral surgeon can do to help those in need. It is not merely drilling teeth, constructing dentures, and aligning the dentition.

In addition to that, being attached in the Oral Surgery Department, Sarawak General Hospital which is the hub for Oral Maxillofacial Surgery in Borneo, I was involved with a diversity of experiences that offered a very realistic and in-depth glimpse of life as an oral surgeon. During the short attachment, I had the opportunity to observe and get first-hand training by the oral surgeons in the management of various surgical cases, from biopsies and intermaxillary fixation in trauma cases, to more major surgeries such as segmental mandibulectomy and immediate reconstruction with free flaps. While the surgeries are tantalizing, the reviews and the follow-ups were remarkably challenging as to ensure both quality of life and aesthetics can still be maintained despite the possibility of a futile outcome.

One of the interesting cases that I get to experience is a case of Desmoplastic Amelobastoma affecting the symphysis of the mandible of a 19 year old female. Presenting to the outpatient clinic with just a gum swelling and a prognathic mandible, she was then diagnosed and planned for segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction with free fibula flap. After long hours of operation and regular rounds in the ward, patient was finally discharged without complication. The regular follow ups and reviews were daunting but inspiring as I had the opportunity to witness the success of the flap. In spite of continuous care towards the reconstructive site, patient’s facial appearance showed near normal results. Additionally, upon issuing of denture, although not ideal, patient showed satisfaction and was pleased with the overall outcome. Ever since then, my interest in oral maxillofacial surgery has developed further. The change and improvement that I see in patients brings joy and gratification. It is exciting, expanding, and engaging that I am willing to take a leap of faith and commit myself in this field.

I believe that OMFS requires a unique surgical skillset that can only be acquired by hands on practical experience in the clinical and surgical management of patients. University of Hong Kong, being an international reputable university in the region with esteemed Professors, it is of great value to be able to study and expand my knowledge in the Faculty of Dentistry. Having very limited experience in a hospital-based dental setting, I believe, to have the opportunity to learn and getting first hand training by highly experienced and didactic lecturers and surgeons is a key to further discover my surgical proficiency. Apart from that, being the premier center of dental education, I would hope to carry back the surgical doctrine that the Faculty can offer to my recently established dental school and share the knowledge with my colleagues for the advancement of the OMFS Department. I am aware that the technical and aesthetic concerns of OMFS makes it a challenging field and a rewarding specialty and it pushed me beyond my limits every day. The yearning to expand my knowledge and learning the art and science of OMFS in a reputable faculty would be my privilege.

Would that suffice?

PS: Entry is copyrighted for my Masters application. Published for the purpose of inspiring others. So please, do not steal. Would appreciate it very much. Thanks.