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5th Edmund Tay Mai Hiong (ETMH) Distinguished Speaker Programme
The 5th Edmund Tay Mai Hiong (ETMH) Distinguished Speaker Programme was held from 27 to 29 November 2022 at the National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore (NUCOHS). About 235 participants attended the event, which included talks, sharing sessions and a Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) workshop.
The programme started with an opening address by the Faculty’s Acting Dean, Associate Professor Wong Mun Loke. Assoc Prof Wong shared a story from his friend’s brother who had difficulty sleeping to the extent of affecting his quality of life and who eventually got the condition treated through surgery. He reflected on whether it would help if earlier interventions were instituted.
“Sleep medicine and sleep-related disorders are increasingly gaining traction, not only among the healthcare profession but also among members of the public… Over the last four ETMH programmes, we have exposed ourselves more to this issue – recognising the importance of sleep apnoea and becoming more aware that the dental fraternity not only plays a key role by being on the journey with sleep disorder patients but also significantly helping them to manage, and at times prevent the condition. Today’s programme is thus especially exciting for many of us as we seek to address this issue through a whole-of-life approach from infancy to adulthood,” said Assoc Prof Wong.
Acting Dean Assoc Prof Wong Mun Loke warmly welcomed participants of the 5th ETMH Distinguished Speaker Programme.
Dr David Tay, the founder of the ETMH Endowed Fund, then shared about his late father, Dr Edmund Tay’s contributions as the founding Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry and his aspirations for the dentistry profession. Dr Tay reflected on the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) among the Singaporean population and how increasing awareness of the condition is essential. He emphasised that a long-term strategy that addresses OSA on sustainable platforms is needed to amplify the spotlight on the issue. This motivated the establishment of the ETMH programme, which aimed to “engage world-class experts to conduct annual lectures and teaching workshops in sleep medicine, airway-focused dentistry and orofacial pain”.
Dr David Tay, the founder of the ETMH Endowed Fund, shared the motivation behind the Distinguished Speaker Programme.
Through the three-day event, the distinguished speaker for this year’s programme, Dr Audrey Yoon, a dual-trained orthodontist and paediatric dentist who specialises in sleep medicine and treatment, shared her extensive research on the anatomical factors and physiology of OSA, defined treatment options for the condition and presented ways to prevent it through early detection and care. Dr Yoon also addressed a series of questions on OSA in a panel discussion with sleep medicine experts, including Dr Mimi Yow, Dr Kenny Pang, Dr Hu Shijia and Dr Michael Lim.
Dr Audrey Yoon presented her comprehensive research on OSA and shared her knowledge
on treatment options and prevention methods for the condition.
From left to right: Dr David Tay (moderator of the panel discussion) and panellists Dr Hu Shijia, Dr Audrey Yoon,
Dr Michael Lim, Dr Kenny Pang and Dr Mimi Yow.
Dr Audrey Yoon engaged participants in a hands-on workshop about
Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE).
Participants shared that the programme helped to increase their awareness of OSA and assured them of the available treatment options.
“The 5th ETMH Distinguished Speaker Programme was enlightening and eye-opening. Dr Audrey Yoon managed to provide good insights into OSA by balancing scientific research with clear clinical evidence. The knowledge gained from the Programme will help dentists (working in a multidisciplinary team) identify, treat and manage airway disorders from infants to adults,” said Associate Professor of Endodontics and Director of the National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore, Patrick Tseng.
“I really appreciated the MARPE workshop. It was the first time that a workshop with a speaker was open to the public. I liked the small group and more intimate sharing of knowledge. The hands-on session also allowed me to apply knowledge that was presented to us during the lecture in a more practical way. As a whole, I enjoyed the ETMH Programme immensely. The event presented invaluable networking opportunities with world-class clinicians and speakers and the lectures were instrumental in inspiring me to further my understanding in dental sleep medicine as they demonstrated that dentists have a huge role to play in the treatment and diagnosis of sleep-related breathing disorders. I hope that the ETMH endowed fund can continue to encourage and foster discussions on dental sleep medicine in Singapore for the foreseeable future,” reflected Dental Surgeon, Dr James Yap.
“The entire symposium was very informative! My favourite session would be the ‘Find New Scientific Evidences from Everyday Practice’ lecture. The session gave me a good foundation on how sleep disordered breathing occurs and how to identify it early. Through advanced detection and referral for diagnosis followed by prompt treatment, we can play a part in improving the quality of life for children with OSA,” added alumnus and Dental Registrar at the Health Promotion Board Dr Tan Bing Liang.
Participants enjoyed networking with each other and gaining more insights on OSA during the three-day programme.