April-June 2018

EditorsDr Mas Suryalis Ahmad Dr Goh Seong Ling

Contributing writersDr Ng Woan TyngDr Siow Ang YenDr Salman MasriDr Joanne Koh Su LingDr Ng Chun JieDr Jeanette WongDr Lynn Ko

Ex-officioDr Chow Kai Foo

TreasurerDr Koh Mei Yen, Eileen

Advertisement LiaisonDr Wong Chin Mee, AngieDr Ng Su Chin, JanicePuan Razana Abdul Karim

MALAYSIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATIONMalaysian Dental AssociationD-5-1, Pusat Komersial Parklane,Jalan SS7/26, Kelana Jaya,47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

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Note:Views expressed are not necessarily those of The Malaysian Dental Association. The Malaysian Dental Association takes no responsibility for the consequences of any action taken based on any information published in MDA News and neither shall it be held liable for any product or service advertised in the same. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher.

Messagefrom the Honorary Publication Secretary/ Mda News Editor-In-Chief

Hello everybody!

The Apr-June 2018 issue of MDA News features photos and reports of activities conducted by various zones across the country. It is heart-warming to see the spirit of volunteerism through these community social responsibility (CSR)

programmes.

On top of that, it is encouraging to observe support from members in the many Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities conducted by the Association. It is hoped that MDA will continue to receive active participation from its members in all the coming events.

Meanwhile, if there are suggestions on programmes that members hope to see realised, please email us at mdaassoca@gmail.com.

Till next time,

Dr Mas Suryalis Ahmad Honorary Publication Secretary Malaysian Dental Association (2017-2019)

Inside37 Simple Rules To A

Resilient Private Practice

Features

Activities

15 Stop & Stare Series 1: Refining Details in Aesthetic Periodontal Surgery

19 1st Comprehensive Aesthetic Composite Course “Dream It! Learn It! Do It!” by Dr Anthony Tay

21 MDA Southern Zone Evening Lecture Series

23 26th MDA Scientific Convention And Trade Exhibition (SCATE) 2019

27 MDA Northern Zone AGM and CPD Programme

31 Outreach Dental Programme in Long Luping

April-June 2018

5Dear esteemed MDA members,

Greetings from the council of Malaysian Dental Association (MDA). Though belated, allow me to wish all Muslim colleagues a Happy and joyous Eid Mubarak. Selamat Hari Raya!

MIDEC 2018

I am honoured and delighted to extend our warmest and most sincere welcome to all guests and members of the dental fraternity to the Malaysian International Dental Exhibition & Convention (MIDEC 2018) that will be held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 20 to 22 July 2018.

Rebranded for the fifth year, MIDEC 2018 offers a unique opportunity for delegates to hear from top notch international and local speakers who will be sharing notable advancements in the field of dentistry.

Building upon our experience over the years, this premier conference — themed “Tomorrow’s Dentistry Today” — remains an exceptional nexus for the dental profession in Malaysia and abroad, providing access to leading insights, exchange of thoughts, and debate on pertinent issues.

Driven by our commitment in pushing for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), the organising committee has taken measures to ensure the conference offers diverse, meaningful and relevant topics.

While our focus is on dental innovation, we recognise that oral health is an integral part of general health. I am convinced that through the quality presentations covering disciplines of dentistry, the impact of oral health on general health will be highlighted and addressed.

Today, the Malaysian dental profession is challenged by the advancement in therapeutic technology, and the need to provide all with equal access to oral care.

Message from the MDA President

Dr Ng Woan TyngPresident Malaysian Dental Association

MALAYSIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION

MDA News

6For the past 18 years, practitioners in the public sector are well represented with the incorporation of SCODOS under MDA. In the light of the new regulations and restrictions impacting the practice of dentistry, the MDA council strongly urge for an avenue to hear the opinions of private practitioners.

With that in mind, the MDA council aspires to establish a section to represent those serving in the private sectors. The committee held their inaugural meeting on 3 June 2018.

Issues related to Fees Schedule under the PHFSA, Dental Regulation 2018, fees splitting and CKAPS were discussed. There is an urgent need to resolve the abovementioned issues that have been affecting private dental practitioners due to inconsistencies in implementing the regulations.

The committee has pledged to engage fellow members, listen to grouses and find ways to overcome the difficulties impacting their practices. The committee also looks forward to gather opinions, suggestions and feedback from concerned members.

The MDA council strongly feels that the presence of the PPS with the support from SCODOS will bring MDA to a higher level of playing field for the benefit of our members.

The pro-tem committee members are:

1) Chairman: Dr Neoh Ein Yau

2) Deputy Chairman: Dr Neoh Leong Seng

3) Secretary: Dr Dennis Lee

4) Assistant Secretary: Dr Abu Razali Saini

5 Treasurer: Dr Khairul Anwar

6) Assistant Treasurer: Dr Naseem Banu

7) Committee: Dr Firdaus Hanapiah Dr Nedunchelian Vengu Dr Adlan Bangi

8) Representatives Dr Zeo Lee Wei Xin ( SZ ) from zones: Dr Ang Lai Choon ( NZ ) Dr Chen Yu Nieng ( EZ ) Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan ( EZ )

Best regards, Dr Ng Woan Tyng President Malaysian Dental Association

Dental caries, gingival infection, malocclusions and oral cancer are pathologies that affect a high percentage of the population in Malaysia.

With the changes taking place in the industry, and in the larger healthcare system, we must remain strong in defending our professionalism, dignity and integrity.

Since affordable quality dental care has emerged as one of the focus areas for dental professionals, we are duty bound to update and upgrade our knowledge and skills in order to provide optimum care to our patients.

In the race to build a profitable industry, we must not forget, and cannot abandon our aspirations as oral care professionals in the face of changing disease patterns, ageing population, escalating cost and need to improve access to quality care.

Please go to https://youtu.be/ZyXzQL9Ubyc to view a short presentation on MIDEC 2018.

MDA in the New Malaysia: Consolidating with Health MinistryWith a tremendous outpouring of support, a new Malaysian government was elected on 9 May 2018. The MDA welcomes the efforts of the new government to run the Health Ministry based on research, evidence and facts.

We take this opportunity to congratulate and welcome Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad on his appointment as the Health Minister.

We look forward to working closely with the new Minister to usher a new era of forward thinking and advocacy of our profession.

MDA’s Private Practitioners’ Section (PPS)MDA currently has more than 5,000 members, representing 75% of the dental practitioners in public and private sectors. This healthy growth of membership will continue as Malaysia has an average annual influx of 1,300 dental graduates, out of which half are from 13 local dental schools.

This uptick of dental graduates invariably will add to the number of general practitioners in the private sector upon completion of compulsory public service. Some may opt to stay on in the public service with hopes of opportunities for different career pathways.

April-June 2018

7Dear esteemed MDA members,

May 2018 marked a milestone for the country. A new Malaysian government was formed. I would like to congratulate Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who became our Prime Minister (and also our

patron) once again after 15 years and Dr Xavier Jeyakumar who previously served as Honorary General Secretary of the MDA, on his appointment as Minister of Water, Land and Natural Resources.

The MDA is actively engaging the new government to continue to uphold the objective of the Association. The MDA has written to the newly appointed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad to seek for an appointment for a courtesy meeting to discuss the issues pertaining to the Dental Act 2018, Private Healthcare Facilities & Services Act 1998, and more. We are currently waiting for his reply.

Another issue that concerns us is the abolishment of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The MDA being a GST registered entity, will cease to collect GST from 1 June 2018 following the announcement by the government.

Message from the Honorary General Secretary

Dr Siow Ang YenHonorary General SecretaryMalaysian Dental Association

MALAYSIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION

8

MDA News

The prime objective of the MDA:

To promote the art and science of dentistry for the benefit of the public.

We have yet to receive any notification/guideline from the Royal Malaysian Customs (RMC) on the GST that we have collected for MIDEC 2018. The Honorary Financial Secretary will make an announcement once we have been updated by the RMC.

Last but not least, I would like to wish all our Muslim friends, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Serving together with you, Dr Siow Ang Yen Honorary General Secretary Malaysian Dental Association

April-June 2018

9Dental Act 2018

By:Dr Ng Woan Tyng and Dr Siow Ang Yen

The new dental act was finally passed in Parliament on 4 April 2018, a month before the new government took over.

Riding on the broad principle that the scope of practice in dentistry should be borderless, therefore should not be compartmentalised,

and that oral health care should be holistic, accessible and affordable, the Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) was engaged to help draft of the bill since 2008.

MDA past presidents and councils were involved in significant advocacy and campaigns as well as numerous meetings within and beyond the Association, to suit the legislation to current dental practice.

Any limitation in the scope of practice may reduce the accessibility of the public to oral health care services, especially in the underserved areas.

As such, we have appealed to the current Health Minister to acknowledge the sentiment of the former Health Ministry that there shall be no restrictions and limitations in the practice of Dentistry.

The broad principle that Dental Act 2018 is tailored to the best interest of the public, hence the best interest of the profession too, is always shared by all relevant agencies.

In the light of this new administration, MDA members hope that all regulations stipulated under the Act will not have undue limitations to the practice of dentistry, to help facilitate our vision and mission in providing holistic oral health care services.

This is in line with the vision in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 as set out by the United Nations, also known as Agenda 2030.

On another note, the MDA council hopes that dental practitioners will be given ample time to comply with the Act and its stipulated regulations.

Application for the Annual Practising Certificate (APC) must be accompanied by Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and evidence of professional indemnity. Through this regulation, the practitioners are expected to maintain the validity of their expertise via training programmes throughout the course of their careers. They should also be protected against legal responsibilities for their actions.

Malaysian Dental Council Under the Dental Act 1971, the Malaysian Dental Council (MDC) — the statutory body that regulates the practice of dentistry — is a government-controlled entity whereby its presidential role falls to the Health Director-General (DG), and the majority of its members are appointed by the Health Minister.

MDA News

10In the proposed Dental Bill 2017, the previous government has promised dental practitioners a more inclusive council by diversifying the council’s composition in accordance to private and public sectors. The Bill also prescribed the president with additional authority, including some of the powers of the council.

Under the Dental Act 1971, the council has the power to appoint members of the Preliminary Investigation Committee, Medical Review Panel and other committees.

However, in the Bill, appointment of members of Complaints Committee, Preliminary Investigation Committee and Disciplinary Committee were left to the president while the council could only appoint of members of the other committees.

This centralisation of power is clearly not in line with the policy of the Pakatan Harapan government.

Furthermore, the Dental Regulation 1976 not only stated that the president shall be the returning officer in the election of council members, but also has the casting vote should there be an equality of votes.

This is a clear conflict of interest as the returning officer in any kind of election should be neutral. Such provision in the Dental Regulation must be amended to avoid misuse of power.

The MDA would like to recommend that, there shall be a separation of power between the Health Ministry and MDC. The Health DG should not be over-burdened by holding the president role in all healthcare councils — Malaysian Medical Council, MDC, and Pharmacy Board Malaysia.

The Ministry should focus on government dental healthcare services while leaving the regulation of the dental practitioners to the profession. The MDC composition should be made similar like the Malaysian Bar Council where all positions of the council are elected.

Dental practitioners, being professionals, should be regulated by our peers. By having all council positions elected will create an independent statutory body such as the Malaysian Bar. This is in line with the manifesto of the Pakatan Harapan government that promised institutional reforms for decentralisation of power.

The MDA would like to recommend that, there shall be a separation of power between the Health Ministry and MDC. The Health DG should not be

over-burdened by holding the president role in all healthcare councils — Malaysian Medical Council, MDC, and Pharmacy

Board Malaysia.

April-June 2018

11SCODOS Wishlist

By:Dr Mohd Salman Masri

We would like to request for a special budget to buy medical assets. Many disposed dental instruments and assets have not been replaced over the year due to insufficient budget. It has affected productivity in many ways.

The number of clinicians have increased by many folds over five years, resulting in increased demand for new equipment. All dental works need special tools and to adhere to good KPI standards, we appeal for a special allocation so facilities in dental settings can be upgraded to meet current demand.

The dental service has expanded over the past few years, including dental specialist centres. Many newly established specialist clinics are not properly equipped with supporting staff, dental chair, operating theatre, dental instruments and so on.

It is hoped that before a specialist clinic is open to the public, minimum equipment and preparation should be met. This is to ensure when a specialist is posted to the centre, dental care can be carried out without delay.

Opportunities should be given to specialists and non-specialists to be promoted to Special Grades (JUSA) since the introduction of Grade UG56 that is only meant for specialists.

There is also requests to create a post for Deputy Director-General of Health for the Dental Programme.

We note that there is a disproportionate dentist to auxiliary staff ratio, especially dental surgery assistants in all dental clinics. It is suggested that the creation of posts is based on the latest norm. Further to that, the students undergoing dental surgery assistant courses should be trained adequately to possess a standard needed before attending to their practical sessions in dental clinics or hospitals.

The Health Ministry should not be the place to teach theoretical knowledge to trainees as dental officers have other pressing tasks to attend to. The students should be fully monitored by the respective lecturers or trainers from their teaching institutions.

Opportunities should be re-open for practitioners to study overseas for master programmes such as special needs dentistry.

The centralised contractors (kontrak berpusat) should be monitored on a regular basis and the findings should be made transparent. Problems related to centralised contractors with high dissatisfaction should be reviewed for further action such as fines or immediate contract termination.

Health prevention and promotion is the bread and butter of healthcare services. We hope that a department for health prevention and promotion is established and comprised medical, dental and pharmacy programmes. This is to build collaboration in all aspects of health where prevention and promotion are to be implemented. An allocation for such programmes should be separated from fund allocation for primary care.

MDA News

12Other Items On the Dental Wishlist

By:Dr Chow Kai Foo

The excessive number of graduates due to the mushrooming of dental schools has resulted in declining standards of training and insufficient vacancies in the Health Ministry to extend meaningful compulsory service to the 1,200 or more dental graduates every year.

We hope that the “Skim Peduli Sihat” in the Pakatan Manifesto will include dental treatment.

As healthcare is a vital service to the public, we request that there will be a full exemption of all dental supplies and services from Sales and Services Tax as well as any GST implementation in the future.

We request that the Medical Device Authority review all their registration procedures and fee structure to ensure efficiency and to avoid unnecessary charges that will drive up the cost of healthcare.

The Ministry should request the PDPA to stop charging dentists and doctors. Dentists and medical doctors are ethically and legally bound to keep patient data confidential and should not fall under the PDPA.

In the area of healthcare indemnity, we urge that the ministry carry out due diligence on the “no fault compensation” model as practised in New Zealand with much success. It will speed up any compensation to patients for negligence and complaints and keep the indemnity premiums low.

This will tremendously help to keep healthcare costs low. The initial cost of setting it up may be high but the long term benefits are extremely good.

As for healthcare financing, we urge that we study a neighbouring country’s scheme where everyone is insured for catastrophic health incidents. Other health issues are covered with a healthcare savings scheme that can be topped up privately or publicly and is transferable between immediate family members.

Please look into why certain laws are applicable to the private sector and not the public sector, for example, the PHFSA that we feel is draconian and should be replaced with a simpler version or even repealed.

In the light of our new administration that welcomes constructive engagement by stakeholders to work out the best for the nation, we feel that the recently passed Dental Act 2018 should have certain provisions re-examined. The areas include the potential undue restriction of practice, the necessity of dental therapists as opposed to dental hygienists, micro-management of the profession, mushrooming of penalties, all of which resulted in a practical 30-page Act to a now 100-page behemoth.

The enforcement procedures seem to too detailed and can be simplified yet stay respectful of our professional self-regulation. There should be no necessity of any OSA which in the past obstructed open and proactive engagement — the new Act is a product of this.

April-June 2018

13

We hope that the licensing procedures for dental clinics can be streamlined to a one-stop centre and that one APC is sufficient for the country.

Excessive consumption of added sugar has been known to be the major cause of dental caries. Today we know that it is a major factor in obesity, diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, kidney failure and others.

We cannot stress enough that a strong intelligent campaign to reset our love for sweet food drinks and reduction of sugar in manufactured foods will go a long way in saving up to RM4 billion a year we spend in public hospitals to treat complications associated with diabetes alone.

There is a crying need to tackle the scourge of sugar upon the oral and general health of Malaysians who are known as the fattest people in Asia. Perhaps added sugar

Excessive consumption of added sugar has

been known to be the major cause of dental caries.

Today we know that it is a major factor in obesity,

diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver

disease, kidney failure and others.

could be reclassified as a toxin and as the WHO has alluded, unnecessary for human nutrition.

Do include at least two dentists in the Health Advisory Council. The MDA will be happy to second this move.

All documents in healthcare need not be under OSA because freedom of information in healthcare will enable proper checks and balance to bring out the best.

Open tender for all acquisitions by the Ministry to enable proper economy and avoid graft.

The primary objective of the MDA is to promote the art and science of dentistry for the benefit of the public. We are confident that the changes suggested will not only be for the fair governance of the profession but ultimately benefit the rakyat.

MDA News

14Quackery In Dentistry

By:Dr Leong Kei Joe

The issue of illegal dentistry has always been a matter that is of great concern not only to the Association but also to the dental profession. MDA members have been closely following all the events and news related to the issue of “quack dentist” performing “dental treatment”

on Malaysians.

The dental profession at whole is saddened by the apparent lack of awareness of the general public on the seriousness of this matter, with some seeking out dental care from unregistered (illegal) practitioners.

Illegal dentistry may range from street dentists who offer their “services” such as extractions or dentures at market place or road side to self-claimed beauticians who promise “instant dental makeovers” in hotel rooms or business outlets.

Equally attractive to the public is fake braces that are being advertised widely on social media. The public has constitutional rights to seek safe dental treatment from registered dental surgeons in this country, and the MDA council looks at this matter with utmost seriousness and is obliged to continuously raise the that is in line with the primary objective of the Association — to promote the art and science of dentistry for the benefit of the public.

Among the many negative impacts of seeking services from illegal dentists include complications that are not only unmanageable by illegal dentists but rendering the disease even more complicated to treat (often incurring higher cost) or leave irreparable damage.

The Association welcomes continuous partnership with the new government through the Health Ministry in curbing illegal dentistry, especially through continuous public engagement. The fact that advertising of these illegal practices on social media has proliferated clearly indicates that there is more to be done by the relevant stakeholders.

The MDA would like to propose enhancing our current enforcement system so more of these illegal dentists could be rightfully prosecuted. On this note, the MDA would also like to propose putting a stop on online purchase of unregistered dental instruments and materials so these items will not be made available to illegal dentists.

Dentistry has progressed a long way in the last century and it is one of the most respected professions. It is incumbent upon dentists everywhere, to protect that hard-earned reputation by weeding out quacks.

April-June 2018

15Stop & Stare Series 1: Refining Details in Aesthetic Periodontal Surgery

Reported by:Dr Salman Masri

On 31 March 2018, SCODOS and the Catalyst Study Club have conducted their first one-day event called “Stop & Stare Series 1: Refining Details in Aesthetic Periodontal Surgery”. This first series of event was held at the Faculty of Dentistry, UiTM Sungai Buloh

campus from 8.30am to 5pm.

The event had received an overwhelming welcome from dental practitioners across Peninsular Malaysia. The course aims to provide a structured workshop to coach participants basic surgical techniques and to instil trainees with the best habits at the start of their surgeon training.

There is also a diversity of professional participation in this workshop, where participants are from government and private sectors as well as teaching personnel and dental specialists. The workshop was conducted by renowned speaker Dr Rasidah Ayob and facilitated by five highly skilled trainers and five facilitators to ensure the smoothness of the event.

A demonstration by Dr Rasidah using a goat’s head.

MDA News

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Dr Rasidah (third from right) together with trainers and participants.

A demonstration of incision and suturing techniques.

April-June 2018

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Trainees were helped by the facilitators on site.

Trainees had to polish their skills on a goat’s head that was provided to each person.

The training began with a talk and workshop on incision and flap design followed by suturing technique. No less than 15 suturing techniques with indication and advantages were shared during the day.

One of the advantages of this course was that each participant was trained with better magnification by the use of loops. Participants were each provided with a handbook with illustrations to ensure the knowledge gained from the workshop could be applied in their daily work.

MDA News

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A group photo to mark the end of a successful event.

SCODOS Chairman Dr Salman presented Dr Rasidah with a token of appreciation.

Last but not least, valuable knowledge and information as well as detailed techniques in periodontal surgery were gained. At the end of the workshop, participants were able to demonstrate the correct basic surgical techniques and appreciate both theoretical and practical knowledge of basic surgical procedures.

The participants had expressed positive feedback and showed interest for the second event that would be conducted in November.

April-June 2018

19D

entistry is a field that evolves continuously. It is important to keep up to date with recent developments. With that in mind, Malaysian Dental Association Southern Zone (MDASZ), invited by Dr Anthony Tay, a well-renowned speaker to give a talk on Comprehensive

Aesthetic Composite that was held at Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre on 13 and 14 May 2018.

The Comprehensive Aesthetic Composite Course “Dream It! Learn It! Do It!” is a well-structured course covering four modules within two days, including Posterior Class II Composites, Semi Direct Composite Onlay, Aesthetic Class IV Composites and Polychromatic Composite Veneers. It was packed with

1st Comprehensive Aesthetic Composite Course “Dream It! Learn It! Do It!” by Dr Anthony Tay

Reported by:Dr Joanne Koh Su LingCommittee MemberMDA Southern Zone

MDA News

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interesting lectures and practical hands-on sessions, in a small-group learning basis of 14 participants. The course was highly interactive between speaker and participants.

To encourage the participants to practice what they learnt in their clinics, they were provided with instruments and materials to bring home, including LM Arte restorative instrument kit, GC composites, G-Premio Bond, Polydentia Myclip sectional matrix system, restorative bur kit, Sanctuary rubber dams, and many more.

In conclusion, it was a successful event where participants had the chance to gain new knowledge, while having fun at the same time. The success of this first module beckons more to be organised in the near future.

April-June 2018

21MDA Southern Zone Evening Lecture Series

Reported by,Dr Ng Chun JieHonorary Secretary Malaysian Dental Association Southern Zone

This year, the Malaysian Dental Association Southern Zone is placing emphasis in organising educational programmes, including dental conference, workshops, webinars and evening lectures.

On 28 June 2018, we conducted the Evening Lecture Series at Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre, with 75 participants, mostly practising dentists in Johor Bahru. Three dental disciplines were covered in the programme, namely Endodontics, Periodontics and Dental Aesthetics.

The evening started with “Troubleshooting in Endodontics - Simplified”, delivered by Dr Jeyavel, who is a visiting endodontist at the Q&M Dental Clinics. He shared the common difficulties in daily practice and ways to overcome them.

It was followed by Dr Lau Guat Syin, a periodontist serving in the Health Ministry. She shared her knowledge on “Antibiotics in Periodontal Therapy: Facts And Fallacies”, covering insights into periodontal treatments with the adjunct of antibiotics. The lecture was packed with informative and valuable information.

MDA News

22Dr Sonia Lee, delivered the last topic of the night, “The Picasso In You With Direct Composite”. She shared her protocols, tips and tricks in dealing with her daily routines when doing composite restorations.

The evening ended with a town hall meeting, conducted by MDASZ President Dr Zeo Lee Wei Zin. The session was highly interactive between the regional MDA members. A few issues were brought up, such as restrictions on LED display boards in front of the clinics, MDA Private Practitioner Section, practice of illegal dentistry, and fee regulation.

We had an interactive and inspiring session, which encouraged the local dental community to share their views. The overwhelming response from the dental community is a positive indication for MDASZ to organise more educational programmes in time to come.

April-June 2018

23A

fter a successful staging of SCATE earlier this year, the MDA is all geared up for its 26th edition, which will be held from 18 to 20 January 2019 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Themed “A Lifetime of Oral Health for All”, SCATE 2019 will be hosting distinguished speakers including Dr Nazariy Mykhaylyuk, Dr Ralph George, Dr Ronnie Yap, Dr Stephen Lampl, Dr Alvin Tjiptarahardja and Dr Ang Chee Wan.

Plans are under way to rope in more regional and international speakers. This to provide an unsurpassed opportunity for clinicians to acquire new skills and gather the latest information in the rapidly advancing and ever-evolving field of dentistry, and at the same time, fulfil their continuing education and professional development requirements.

Running alongside the scientific conference, the trade exhibition will see dental manufacturers, distributors and traders showcasing a myriad of products and cutting-edge technological advancements in dentistry, where visitors and delegates will get to source for the latest dental products and services.

With the mix of a dynamic scientific programme of plenary sessions, hands-on workshops, forums and symposiums and trade and exhibition show, this is a not-to-be-missed event for dental practitioners, researchers and allied health professionals alike.

It is the best educational platform for networking, connecting speakers, exhibitors and colleagues to share experiences and practices, all under one roof.

SCATE 2019 is now open for registration. To learn more, please visit SCATE’s website at mda.org.my/mdascate/2019/index.html.

26th MDA Scientific Convention And Trade Exhibition (SCATE) 2019

MDA News

April-June 2018

27MDA Northern Zone AGM and CPD Programme

Reported by:Dr Jeannette WongSecretary MDA Northern Zone

MDA Northern Zone’s Annual General Meeting and CPD Programme were held on 18 March 2018 at Olive Tree Hotel, Penang. It was attended by 63 participants, out of which 54 members were present for the AGM and three attended as observers.

The programme started with registration at 8.30am, followed by two lectures presented by periodontist Dr Rasidah Ayob. Her first lecture was titled “Periodontal Regeneration: Facing the Reality”, while her second lecture was “Periodontal Plastic Surgery: Increasing Trend of Success in Soft Tissue”.

This was followed by MDANZ’s AGM. The minutes of MDANZ’s AGM 2017, Annual Activities and Financial Reports were all passed during the AGM. As the current MDANZ office bearers are serving a two-year term beginning in 2017, there were no elections of new office bearers this year.

MDANZ Chairlady Dr Tan Sock Hooi expressed her appreciation to the members for their continuous support towards MDANZ as well as exercising their responsibilities by attending the AGM.

MDA President Dr Ng Woan Tyng was also present and she gave the members a briefing of the latest developments on the MDA constitution, Dental Bill and the compounding offences under PHFSA. She also encouraged members to voice out any concerns.

In the afternoon, paediatric dentist Dr Annapurny Venkiteswaran presented two lectures -- “The Happy and Relaxed Dental Patient: Myth or Reality?” and “Practical Guide to Simple Relaxation Technique”.

The Office Bearers of MDANZ 2018/2019 are as follows:

Chairlady : Dr Tan Sock Hooi

Secretary : Dr Jeannette Wong Xue-Ying

Treasurer : Dr Tan Hooi Shan

Committee : Dr Ang Lai Choon

Dr Teh Yik Pin

Dr Choo Wan Ling

Dr Gan Peijun

Dr Tay Hui Wen

Auditor : Dr Lim Eng Hin

MDANZ’s AGM and CPD Programme ended at 4.45pm.

MDA News

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MDANZ Chairlady Dr Tan Sock Hooi and AIMST Dental Center Person-in-charge Dr Rokiah Man.

Participants attending MDA Northern Zone’s AGM listen on attentively to one of the lectures presented.

MDA Northern Zone’s Chairlady presenting a token of appreciation to Dr Annapurny Venkiteswaran.

MDA Northern Zone’s Chairlady presenting a token of appreciation to Dr Rasidah Ayob.

April-June 2018

29Oral Health Awareness Campaign (OHAC) 2018OHAC 2018 is AIMST Dental Students’ Association’s (ADSA) sixth non-profit public service event that aims to create awareness on oral health among the community in Sungai Petani.

The three-day campaign was held from 9 to 11 March 2018 at Central Square. This year, the campaign successfully attracted more than 2,000 visitors.

Free dental screening was provided to some 700 patients, along with other supporting activities such as medical check-up, best smile competition, drawing/colouring contests, lucky draws, interactive games, plaque disclosing and toothbrushing demonstration as well as a display of educational posters.

As with the years before, MDA Northern Zone continued to participate in OHAC 2018 by sponsoring RM2,000 as a gesture of support to one of northern region’s dental faculties.

MDANZ Chairlady Dr Tan Sock Hooi attended the opening ceremony to officiate OHAC 2018, while MDANZ secretary Dr Jeannette Wong attended the closing ceremony.

MDA Northern Zone would like to congratulate the AIMST Dental Students’ Association on their commendable efforts in providing oral health education to the public.

Their enthusiasm and dedication towards making the campaign a success was impressive, and we wish them all the best for OHAC in the coming years.

(From left) OHAC 2018 Secretary Goh Yong Hong, OHAC 2018 Chairperson & ADSA Vice President Alios Lee, MDANZ Secretary Dr Jeannette Wong, ADSA President Yin Hwei Ting, ADSA Treasurer Tan Xiang Tian

MDA News

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MDANZ Chairlady Dr Tan Sock Hooi performing the ribbon cutting ceremony to officiate the campaign, alongside Mr Alios Lee, Ms Yin Hwei Ting, AIMST Dental Center Person-in-charge Dr Rokiah Bt Man, AIMST University Registrar Dr Kathiresan Sathasivam, Dean of Faculty of Dentistry Dr Ramesh Kumaresan, Deputy Deans Dr Siva Kumar Pendyala, Dr Tom Kishor and Dr Jegarajan Pillay.

April-June 2018

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For Malaysian Dental Association Eastern Zone (MDAEZ), serving the community has always been the top priority and honour.

In collaboration with Kuching’s BEM Grace, Honorary Secretary Dr Sim Wen Sann with Exco members Dr Lynn Ko and Dr Sylvia Lim

took a trip to Long Luping, a Lun Bawang village three hours from Lawas, a small town in Sarawak sandwiched in between Brunei and Sabah.

Good morning from Long Luping.

The village of Long Luping, Lawas.

Outreach Dental Programme in Long Luping

Reported by:Dr Lynn KoExco MDA Eastern Zone

MDA News

32After an expedition through rough terrains, the volunteers were greeted with beautiful weather, picturesque views and the warmth of the Lun Bawang people.

The clinic was set up and started on 15 June 2018. The objective of this outreach programme is to provide dental healthcare and education to the community. Various activities were carried out, including dental health education, toothbrushing drill, tooth model paper craft, dental examination, extractions, atraumatic restorations and fluoride varnish applications.

A medical team was present as well, carrying out anthropometric measurements, capillary blood glucose screening, blood pressure measurement, visual acuity tests, medical consultation by medical doctors and dispensing of medication by pharmacists.

Outreach clinic was set up at the space that housed the village playschool. All are welcome.

April-June 2018

33Over two days, the programme included 103 villagers. As for the dental team, 57 villagers were examined and the team performed 37 restorations, 38 dental extractions and 26 fluoride varnish applications.

A home visit was carried out to see a blind lady who had problems walking. Extraction was performed at her home. The team also carried out dental health education and toothbrushing drill for six children at Tang Pau, another Lun Bawang village en route to Lawas.

Clockwise from top left: Dental examination, dental extraction, fluoride varnish application, tooth model paper crafting, atraumatic restoration.

MDA News

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Volunteers during a home visit.

Medical screening and consultation.

April-June 2018

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Group photo of all volunteers from medical and dental team with village elder of Long Luping.

Dental health education and toothbrushing drill for children in Long Luping, Lawas.

MDA News

36It has been a privilege to serve the community in Long Luping and Tang Pau. The organising committee would like to express gratitude towards GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Sdn Bhd, GC Asia Dental Pte Ltd and Mercy Malaysia Sabah Chapter for their support in making this programme a success.

In MDAEZ, we believe in giving back to the community and look forward to future events to promote dental health among the community. Till then, Tuhan Ngeperuan (God bless you).

Dental health education and toothbrushing drill for children in Tang Pau, Lawas.

Sunrise at Tang Pau, Lawas.

April-June 2018

Simple Rules To A Resilient Private Practice

After three years in academia, Dr Tan Yoke Sing spent the next 41 years running his own practice and devoting his free time to serving several NGOs.

Interviewee: Dr Tan Yoke Sing

By: Khaw Chia Hui

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MDA News

38You were born in the quiet town of Raub, Pahang in 1950. How has that helped in shaping your core values?I was schooled in Mahmud primary and secondary schools. But I left home to continue Form Six in Sultan Abu Bakar School, Kuantan which was the only one offering Form Six classes in Pahang.

It was great growing up in Raub, a small rural town with a good mix of the races. The gentle pace of growth of the town allowed for an equally gentle progressive development in the lives of its people, moulding characters through the greater opportunities available for constant interpersonal interaction.

In school, I played some sports and took on some small leadership positions, nothing much. But I was a bit of an activist. I was the Vice-President of the Sixth Form Society which gave the principal some uneasiness.

One great equalising factor, in a small town like Raub, is that most people are ordinary folk, not rich. Life for me was sometimes tough but those challenges contributed to character building.

The wealth disparity in Raub was not great enough to create a social-abusive subculture – such as the warlords and tycoons in the corridor of power who get their ways in society. The prevalence of such sub-culture nowadays whereby some people find the cultivation of patronage rather than acquiring knowledge, skills and experience as the mean to move up the social ladder, is undermining the structure of our society.

April-June 2018

39Hopefully, the New Malaysia will re-evaluate this value system that has insidiously crept into the lives of its citizens. This has led to abuse of power among the leadership.

You then left Pahang for Singapore to pursue dentistry. What were the factors that led you to choose this field of study?I applied for dentistry in what was University of Singapore then and Science in the University of Malaya, as my top two options because I wanted to do the shortest degree course.

I got a place in dentistry and a second-year entry in UM. I nearly took UM’s offer because I could get a degree after two years if finance did not allow me to continue another year. But I was advised to go to Singapore. And the rest is history. I am thankful for that.

In those days, the dental, medicine and pharmacy schools were in the Singapore General Hospital and students resided at the King Edward Hall, fondly called KE Hall. I played football and hockey in college. We had inter-college and inter-faculty games which I also served as team captain.

The four years in the dental school and the opportunities for interpersonal experiences of sharing knowledge, values and hopes with contemporaries from the dental, medical and pharmacy students in KE Hall were invaluable. My years in the university, especially living in KE Hall were fun. The camaraderie among us was great and the sharing enhanced the broader view of our health care responsibilities. The initiation as a qualified professional dentist in the MOH, Singapore for a year, set the ethos for my professional life.

Upon graduation in 1974, I had a one-year stint in Singapore’s Ministry of Health, serving in the Oral Surgery Department of the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) which was the main Oral Surgery and Dental Emergency Centre in Singapore, then, in the Institute of Oral Health and the Dental Centre for School Children. Those opportunities provided me with a wider view into provision of public dental health services.

In SGH, I had a great time. Besides getting to know more senior medical colleagues while doing emergency calls, I developed friendships. We initiated the inter-hospital doctor football tournament and later the inter-hospital football tournament that included the general staff. MOH supported the initiative. I captained the SGH team and we emerged champion in the inaugural tournament.

Professionals need to interact, share the same space at a certain part of their early journey in their professional lives, to serve their patients better.

In your opinion, how has sharing dorms with those in medicine and pharmacy improved your understanding of public healthcare?The opportunities for closer interaction in the residential hall provided for the exchange of knowledge and understanding, hence, the appreciation of the expertise in each other’s field. This, I noticed, have encouraged better and more timely referrals between these allied health care professionals, especially who had spent time in my college.

In my long years in practice, I have encountered cases where better appreciation of the expertise amongst the medical and dental fraternities, have reduced / prevented sufferings of their patients. Just to mention one case: A patient had a large palatal cyst with swelling which was referred by a Medical GP to an ENT doctor who operated under GA and he had a third ENT surgery for the recurrent cyst by another ENT. Subsequently, he was referred to me and I removed the cyst with the buried canine. There was no further recurrent.

The oral cavity is often touted as the mirror of many diseases. In the early years of AIDS, a lot of the early signs were detected by dentists. Of course, many general medical conditions express early signs in the mouth. The appreciation of each’s expertise within the neighbourhood healthcare professionals can only contribute to a better provision of health to the community they serve.

In this time and age, professionals cannot work in a silo. They need to interact, share the same space at a certain part of their early journey in their professional lives, to serve their patients better.

MDA News

40After your time in Singapore, you decided to return to Malaysia despite having opportunities elsewhere. Why did you take the academic option by joining University of Malaya instead? I had in mind to ultimately live in my country of birth. It is home to me, I understand the country, it is a beautiful place, the people are generally nice, I have many genuine friends here and my family is here.

Yes, I had an arrangement made for me to work in London. Singapore dental graduates during my time are registrable to work in most, if not all Commonwealth countries. In fact, my class of 38, had 36 Malaysians, are now almost equally distributed to Singapore, United Kingdom, Australia and Malaysia.

Another reason for coming back was to serve my three years of compulsory government service. So, the UM appointment serve me well and it gave me the opportunity to test my personal interest for the academia.

My appointment in UM as an academic staff was also to fill the shortage of clinicians to supervise the first batch of dental students who had just entered their clinical year. We were made to work very hard, providing services to the public and supervise students in their clinics, but I enjoyed it. The working environment was good and encouraging for a young graduate

I came for the interview at the UM Chancery in December, 1974 and I remembered witnessing the on-going student demonstrations that subsequently led the detention of some academic staff members and student leaders under the ISA. That was the atmosphere at the time, lively activism and appeared like an exciting place.

I was one of the first, if not the first dental faculty staff member to be a Resident Fellow at the Residential College in UM. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as the Resident Fellow at the 5th College, dealing with students, the Vice-Chancellor and other university staff members. I was able to share views with the Master of the College and other fellows. It also provided me the opportunities to interact with the other academics from other diverse disciplines.

As a Resident Fellow, taking charge of students who were just a few years younger was quite a trying experience. There you were, trying to guide them when you yourself were trying to find what life should be all about.

The university was facing the pressures of Islamisation and its related influences during this time too. This had significant effects on the academia and the culture of the university.

When I was appointed, I was also told that I would be sent for postgraduate training in due time. But when I perceived that politics had overtaken the situation, I decided to leave on a happy note.

Nevertheless, I am grateful for the time at UM. I had extensive social and clinical exposure that bode well for my career and social development.

Can you share with us the beginnings of your private practice?I started a solo private dental practice 41 years ago in Asia Jaya, Petaling Jaya and moved to Menara Amcorp after that shopping centre closed.

In late 1977, there were only a few dental GPs in Petaling Jaya and there was enough work for everyone. I did felt that PJ was getting affluent and there would be a demand for a higher quality of dental care. I also felt that our patients deserve the best care available then.

I set to provide Orchard Road quality of care but at PJ prices. The returns soon were better than what I got in the university. Hence, I had no complaint: you missed out on something, but paid back in something else and you move on in life.

I’m still in practice full-time with no plan of retiring just yet. In fact, I find working is some form of therapy. I don’t have to decide what to do for the rest of the day when I wake up in the morning. The practice has been good to me, providing the quality of life I am happy with.

What is the secret in maintaining a reputable and sustainable practice?As a healthcare professional, one should always try to provide the highest quality of care available for the patients. Charge a fair fee for your work, always remembering that dentistry is supposed to be noble profession, serving to heal and relieve pain for humankind. There is no sin in accumulating wealth, but grow your wealth elsewhere; like from the investments arising from your savings. You need to be clear on the issue of ethics and maintaining it.

April-June 2018

41I have a family whom I am treating five generations and many patients who have been with me for 30 to 40 years. It is a good feeling knowing it and they have become your friends rather than patients only.

Aside from that you were heavily involved in NGO work, including at MDA. How did you juggle your time? And what were your involvement in MDA?In Rotary, there is a saying, “when you want something done, get a busy person to do it”. I guess I am a victim of that adage.

I was introduced into MDA in the mid-1970s during the tenure of Dr Lim Chee Shin’s presidency. Dr Lim’s dynamic and forward-looking leadership rejuvenated MDA and hence, projected the dental profession further into public sphere and influence.

He should be credited with the foresight to entice the academic staff of the newly established Faculty of Dentistry, UM to join him in leading the activities of the association. A core group of us from the faculty were constantly involved in the organisation of events and programmes. The enthusiasm and to perform well, was the ethos then.

I was elected to the MDA Council in 1977 as the Southern Zone representative. Over the years, I served as a committee member, assistant treasurer, general secretary and later president-elect. I was MDA President for 1997/98. This was over a span of over 20 years. In between, I was involved in every international meeting hosted by MDA.

I was also elected into the Founding Board of Trustees when it was first established in 1980. I am still serving the Board. Currently, I’m serving MDA as the Chairman of the Committee of Past Presidents and the MDA representative to the Malaysian Service Providers Confederation (MSPC)

While moving into and during my term as president of MDA, I took pride in initiating, undertaking and completing a few projects:

1. 6% Service Tax imposed on dental fees reversed When the Government imposed the 6% Service Tax

in 1996, Medicals were exempted but not dental services. I was able to convince MOF that oral health care was an integral part of general health care and

hence, should be similarly treated. This reversal was the result of almost a year of correspondence with officials of MOF.

2) Patient/s Charter There was growing concerns that patients interest in

general was not adequately catered for. There was growing demand for health-care professionals to be more open to their patients and appreciate their rights. The patient’s Charter spells out the rights of patients and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals.

This Charter was ratified and duly adopted by the collaborating parties, the Malaysian Medical Association, Malaysian Dental Association, Malaysian Pharmacist Society and the Consumers Association of Malaysia.

3) FDI/MDA/SDA Joint Conference I initiated and served as the Chairman of the first

and second Organising Committees. It was the first time MDA had organised a scientific programme that it pays commercial rate to bring in top international speakers.

MDA News

424) FDI World Dental Congress - Chairman of Trade

Exhibition Undertook the organisation, promotion and sale of

exhibition spaces for the Congress

It can sometimes feel like a great personal sacrifice of time and effort, but in the final analysis, it does contribute to personal development and gives meaning to one’s existence — doing something beyond one’s self interest.

What other NGOs are you involved in?Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) is the umbrella organisation for all the professional associations in Malaysia. Key members like MDA, MMA, PAM, Malaysian Bar, IEM, ISM

and the like. I first served as its newsletter editor during the BIM presidency of Dato’ Dr Keshmahinder (MMA) in late 1970s. I served in most positions before leading it as the president for two terms from 2010 to 2012. I was the first and only dental surgeon to helm BIM.

Malaysia Service Providers Confederation (MSPC) is the umbrella body for the Malaysian services sector. It is the equivalent to the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) in the Malaysian manufacturing sector. It was founded on the initiation from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. I was the Founding Director of MSPC, an organisation formed under the Registrar of Companies, limited by Guarantee.

I am currently serving the position of Vice-President. MSPC is currently active in the promotion of the services sector, enhancing its competitiveness with the liberalisation of the services sector, especially under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and WTO.

I was also President of Rotary Club of Subang in 1986/87 and served in Rotary District Committees in Malaysia. I once served as the president of the Kheng Chew Graduates Guild where it raises funds for charity and scholarships.

I am currently the President-Elect of the Alumni Association (AA) which is celebrating its 95th reunion in November this year. Our PM, an alumnus ,will be the Guest-of-Honour. AA is the alumni of the medical, dental and pharmacy graduates of the UM and the National University of Singapore and its predecessors. It is the oldest alumni association in the country.

I am serving my third term as President of the UM Academic Club (UMAC). UMAC is the social club registered under the RoS, whose members are past and present members of the academia of the university. The Club House is a property of UM in Section 12, Petaling Jaya.

I have served the Amcorp Trade Centre Management Corporation, a Malaysian Strata Property Act requirement and was its president for three years.

It can sometimes feel like a great personal sacrifice of time and effort, but in the final analysis, it does contribute to personal development and gives meaning to one’s existence — doing something beyond one’s self interest.