8th NUS Dentistry Symposium 1st June 2003. - A big success.

Despite all the gloom and doom over the last 2 months due to the SARS outbreak, the symposium got off to a good start with participants arriving as early as 8.30am. As usual the necessary temperature checks were conducted on all participants. The organizers were pleasantly surprised by the numbers with last minute registrants making up for a full house at the level 4 auditorium.

An air of freedom and freshness prevailed, as people mixed, met up with old colleagues and friends this being the first Sunday of the month (June 1, 2003) and Singapore being declared SARS free by W.H.O.

Dean of Dentistry, Assoc Prof Keson Tan opened the symposium with a brief on the SARS situation and thanked everyone for coming. This event was at one stage nearly cancelled.

The early morning session started on time with the first speaker, Dr Eu Oy Chu (Head, School Dental Service) speaking on "The challenge in Treating Young Children ". This was followed by a 3 screen presentation by Dr Wong Keng Mun. The challenge to many restorative dentists is the problem of the single tooth restoration. The lecture was beautifully presented with excellent graphics and tips which were well received by all.

At the stroke of 10.30 am it was time for refreshment and tea. Food drinks and noise filled the foyer with many enjoying the atmosphere of a cordial meeting. Overheard were stories about SARS, hygiene, discipline, problems with economics in the dental office.

External examiner, Assoc. Prof Mark Wong, our very own alumni, updated the audience on the "Pathophysiology and Management of Temporomandibular Disorders. Some of his video clips on joint movements as seen from cadeveric material were breathtaking and revealing. Prof Wong is the Chairman and Program Director of the Dept of Oral ad Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Centre at Houston, USA.

Having spoken into extra time the next speaker introduced by session chairman A/P Adrian Yap was senior counsel Mr Palakrishnan Ramanathan. He started by saying that he has been extracted of his time for the lecture but will nevertheless speak on his chosen topic. A talk, many will remember on how not to behave in an unprofessional manner or risk being hauled by the Dental Council. There was a lively Q&A session as the audience wanted some
" free legal advice" from him. The responses were at time hilarious.

A sumptuous lunch was provided and the afternoon session was chaired by A/P Jennifer Neo. Highlights on the clinical applications on the use of MTA (Mineral Trioxide Aggregate) were presented by Dr Chng Hui Kheng, Assistant Professor from the department of restorative dentistry. To round up the session on the topic" Predictable Anterior Esthetic Restoration" was Dr Daniel Chan. Assoc Prof Chan is the Director, Division of Operative Dentistry, Medical College of Georgia who is here as an external examiner in the BDS final exam.

A very successful meeting and acknowledgment and thanks must go to the organizing committee and his team headed by Dr Patrick Tseng and advice from Director, Division of Graduate Dental Studies, Prof C L Chew.

By A/P S B Keng

[ Photogallery ]

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