1st Dental Dinner : The Glam Gatsby (long due)

I’m BACK! It’s been months since I posted something here. My hair has even grown long already. Many events have past but I yet to update anything here. *guilty* Currently into my 3rd month as a final year dental student. The past months were all about rushing ortho wire bending exercise and appliances, preparing seminar slides (which most of the time got postponed to another 5 weeks) and practices for our final interbatch competition.  Hmmm… Where should I start? Shall we talk a lil about last academic year first?

Fourth year have thought me a lot; dealing with people, managing events, coordinating class schedules. Finally, it was the year that I took up the class rep role which I have always wanted to try for the past 2 years. Honestly, I thought I would have balance things well but academically, I was affected a little. My parents often called me up, told me “if you can’t handle it, pass it back to others. At the end of the day, people will see your grades and not the extras that you have been through during your undergrads days.” *sigh* Dealing with people from all sort of background and personality was tough for me. I heard on the radio one day, “A good leader knows what he/she wants. They are able to push their idea through all others and lead the team to produce results.” Sometimes one has to shut off all the different opinions; be thick-skinned and judge what’s best for the overall situation and take lead. From now on, I know not to sulk when people are unsupportive of me.  Indeed it was hectic throughout last year. I have to sacrifice some study time to plan certain events, coordinate with students and lecturers; especially all the last minute cancellations of class and reschedule. Clinically there were more demands on us but I was glad that there were wonderful lecturers and seniors to refer to when complex cases arise. My love for endo continues to grow. Most people enjoy pulling the tooth out but I still prefer to save the tooth. The feeling of achievement of retaining the tooth for the patient is far more rewarding than pulling 10 teeth out. Of course, I have to fulfill all other quotas. No favouritism should be practiced at undergrad level!  

Okay, now shall write on the 1^st ever Dental Night of MMMC. *applause*

The planning began after Impaction quiz. The event was initially planned by our Batch 1 seniors but Dean told them to let go of everything and let us continue. What really hit me was the amount of time we have to organize the event. Our budget was also very tight. A lot of brain powers were involved to try work up the budget, pricing the ticket so that everything would run smoothly. My two right men were Nish and Tian Yuan. Dylan and Esther were also there to help in coordination between the batches and lecturers. We weren’t going for some shabby dinner; we wanted it to be of a certain standard, to set an example for the following batches. The theme for the dinner was “The Glam Gatsby”.

 We started off with zero funds. Furthermore, we weren’t allowed to ask for sponsorship. As it was one of my plans to design a FOD polo T shirt, I thought why don’t we try earning some cash from this for the dinner. The response from our juniors and lecturers were quite good. We managed to raise around 1k. This was enough to pay off the door gifts, trophies, decorations, VIP flower pins and invitation cards. Jewel sponsor the printing of the hall ticket while Eunice Chong sponsor the balloons for the hall decorations. There were also around RM 500 cash contribution from our dental lecturers which was used for the lucky draw prizes.

For the venue, we have go hotel to hotel to visit the ballrooms and ask for quotation. After much deliberations and cost calculations, we settled with Mahkota Hotel’s Grand ballroom.  The batch also voted for the choice of door gift.  Nabilah helped with the ordering of the magnets, Myra did the designing. Jia Wei was in charged to collect the farewell written wishes for the event booklet and Syasya coordinated with the printing.  Chen Wei, Myra and Afifah came out with the E-Poster and hall ticket design. It was very pretty and fit the theme of the event. We changed all the clinic laptops’ wallpaper to the E-poster just to build up the excitement. Joe Vynne and Nish were in charge to get the gifts for the lucky draw. We agreed on buying dental instruments as the prizes and bargained our way through the last dental trade exhibition.  Hall decoration was entrusted to Jewel, Bhairavi, Caitlyn and Vino. They did a good job in transforming the hall that evening into a golden ballroom. Yung Yee did help out with the deco also. He was also the official photographer for the night along with Ping. All preparations in the hall started 2pm that day.

All the guests arrived dressed in their beautiful dress and smart suits. Our three beautiful receptionists (Chien Ying, Sonia and Xin Yi) were stationed for registration. Anthony, the always smart looking one ushered all the VIPs in the hall. Everything was under controlled.

The event started off with a speech by our Dean, Dr.Abdul Rashid. Dinner was served in a buffet style. 

There were singing performances from Naurah, Nigel and me. Shashi and Sumitra did a dance performance. Chen Wei impressed the floor with her sand art performance, narrating our life as a dental student from year 1 till year 5 through her art. The highlight for the night was the shadow act from Wei Jie and the gang. They really put on a good show and spent nights practicing and cutting out the cardboard models. At the end of the night, all seniors were given a special trophy with title that matches their personalities, thought and prepared by Naurah and Syasya.

At the end of the night, all seniors were given a special trophy with title that matches their personalities, thought and prepared by Naurah and Syasya.

The night ended well and on time like we have scheduled. This was a team effort and I really thank the whole FOD for the support. I’m looking forward for next one to come. All the best BDS 3 for the preparation!

Photo credits: Yung Yee, Zheng Tao 

What's Up?

U-hu! I’m Back~ Just finished my sessional exam today. Was having severe last paper syndrome yesterday; brain kept switching off while I go through the notes. This sessional exam really tested us physically, mentally and emotionally. Only my batch mates can identify with me on this one. (especially the last minute notice on the fate of our oral radiology paper) I’m clear now on what should work harder  for this coming study break. Ok, let’s see what I’ve been up to for the past few months.

Our batch 3 juniors came up with the idea of organizing an Open Day for MMMC. It was held some 2 months back. Prior to the event, they divided themselves into groups; each group in charged to give out flyers in certain areas of Melaka after class hours. A general medical check-up by our MBBS counterparts, dental check-up and Oral hygiene advice were the activities carried out that day. A bunch of us from BDS 2 did volunteer to help out. We were glad we manage to attract quite a number of visitors; there was a fair crowd that day. Many were still unaware of our existence in Melaka and it was a good way to promote ourselves. Anyways, good job BDS 3!

(Photo credits: Zheng Tao)

(Photo credits: Zheng Tao)

On the 8^th June, my group and group B peeps got the chance to help out in a community outreach program organized by the MMA in Kampung Gadek, Melaka. The events consist of general medical check- up, cancer awareness program by the National Cancer Society and dental check- up. Dr.Noorliza told me it’s actually part of our community planning project where we will have to come out with plans for intervention after this visit; slightly different from the visits we made to the kindergarten and old folks home before. We left our college grounds at around 8am. Abang Shah prepared buns and carton drinks for us as breakfast along the way there. It was held in the local community hall of that village. Once we reach there, we unload our equipment from the bus and climb up a mini slope to reach the hall. We set up the portable dental chairs and Oral Hygiene Instruction stations in the assigned corner. Dr.Abishek, Dr. Kapil and Dr.Kiran were together with us that day. There were also breakfast (nasi lemak & tea) served for the volunteers. Time slot was divided equally so that everyone has a fair chance to work in both dental check-up and OHI stations. All three lecturers did the examination and diagnosis, we student just assist them. (According to the law, dental students are not allowed to touch patient outside their dental schools) The people that came were mainly from the geriatric group. Some were happy to get a check-up but some were hesitant. We were lucky to see one or two special cases. Of course after the check-up, we gave out the goodies we brought along; toothpaste sponsored by Colgate, Sensodyne and Kodomo Lion. There was not a big crowd that day but at least there were people coming in. I think roughly around 60 people turned up. Around 1.30pm, we packed up, had a light lunch and head back to campus. It was a different experience doing check-up in a community hall, using the portable dental chair and torchlight for mouth examination; that brought us back to dentistry in the 1980’s perhaps?

I can say I was lucky? Dr.Prashanti called me up one Friday when I was heading back home. She told me about this year 3M competition on Fixed Prosthodontic Case Presentation which was going to be held on the 14 of June. She needed 2 more representatives to go witness the competition and the places were opened to Batch 2 students since no one from Batch 1 wanted to go. I told her I would ask around and see who would like to join but she wanted an immediate answer (as it was the dateline for name submission) and so she just picked me and Tian Yuan. For those who were wondering how and why, that’s how I ended up going. The event was held in the 3M Innovation Centre in Shah Alam. Jane, batch 1 senior was representing our college for the competition. It was our first time join the annual event and Dr.Prashanti really trained Jane on her presentation skills a few days before the competition. Dr.Renjith, Dr.Abishek, Dr.Kiran and Dr.Prashanti were the accompanied lecturers who attended that day. The event began with an opening address from the Division Manager of the Health Care of 3M. He welcomed the guests and gave a brief introduction of the company. Next, they invited the judges one by one into the room. There were a total of 3 judges, 2 of which were prosthodontic specialists and 1 specializes in dental photography. Most of the dental schools around Malaysia did send one rep for the competition; a total of 10 competitors were there. (or was it 9?) I did learn a lot from the presenters and sitting there makes me feel I’m still lacking in many aspects. Some terms and techniques sound foreign to me. The main theme for the case presentation was Esthetics. Most of the cases presented were focused on the Maxillary Anterior Region – Incisors to be exact. I was impressed with the presenter from UIAM where he used the pit and fissure sealant on the temporary crowns (Protemp) to mimics the fluorosis pattern that the patient had before. Jane presented  a complex full mouth rehabilitation case that she worked on for the past 8 months. She did a good presentation and the audiences were actually wowed by her work. She did answer the questions asked fairly. After all presenters were done, the guests were split into two groups and brought for tour around the innovation center. Tian Yuan and I stayed on for lunch and headed off after that. I had to see a doctor for an ear blocked problem that afternoon. Overall, it was an eye-opening experience for me.

Well, those were the things I was busy with for the past few months, not forgetting the routine clinics, studies, ortho wire bending, practical classes and lab work. I guess that’s all for now, bye~ 

MMMC's 1st Student Scientific Conference and Dental Quiz

It’s been quite some time I can sit down and write something. Drafts of blog posts are piling up in my desktop, half written and waiting for attention. There’s a lot I want to share here, I promise to keep them coming. Just finish my exams which ya…. Anyway, I’m quite excited for the weeks to come, much to do. Been recently irritated by so many things around me, kept praying to keep cool.  For this post I have open and continue writing for almost 4 times and today I finally had the urge to finish it. Readers, you’re in luck!   

Just last month, the FOD hosted our first ever student scientific conference and national level dental quiz. All the final years had the chance to give an oral presentation of their research work. To spice things up, the dean made it into a competition where the top 5 groups will represent the college to present in the NDSCC. The national level dental quiz “Impaction” (name coined by Dr.Renjit) was also held on the same day where students from other school came and test out their dental knowledge.

Let’s talk about the preparations of the event first. 3 weeks before, I approached Dr.Prashanti and found out hardly anything was arrange yet. The staffs themselves have formed a committee but the students were not really involved in the planning. Honestly, we were in the mist of the whole picture. Dr.Jose only asked student volunteers to handle the registration, prizes, MCs, marks tally and time keeping. It was obvious we needed more people to assist the whole event. Once we were on it, there was much more coordination work to be done than we ever imagine. Best thing was the budget, limited. To make everything look presentable, my batch forked out a little to fund the door gifts and water bottles. Even to get the college goodie bag from the marketing team (for the quiz participants only) was tough. We were working under many restrictions.

For the opening ceremony, Dr.Prashanti and Chen Wei decided to make a giant tooth model after much discussion. In the center of the tooth model will be a monitor screen with the Manipal logo below it. The VIP has to complete the logo by slotting in a cylinder-kinda-thing into the tooth (like somehow putting a filling on the tooth) and the officiating video will play on the screen. It took us about 1 week to build the model. We used metal bars, fence wires, and a whole chunk of newspapers, mahjong paper and mural paint. A layer of varnish was coated for the finishing touch.  Our very own robot scientist, Abang Shah and Andrew did the computer wiring and set up the scanner to activate the video. Annishka and Eileen lend us their hair dryers to blow out the confetti. Those involve somehow got a scratch or two from all that work.  Thank you Syasya for getting the permission from the authority to use the hall.

The table arrangements for the quiz kept changing until a day before the event. In the end, the lecturers decided to bring in all the laptops from clinics to be kept on the table during the quiz. Syasya, Yati and Ain helped out in sewing the table cloths. (Yes, they brought their iron and sewing machine to the hall.) 

Kheng Jung and Chua handled the laptops under the guidance of Dr.Renjit. Nish supervised the stage arrangement, marking the position of where each table will go etc. Tian Yuan and Naurah was in charge to “bug” (remind) Mr.Hamka for the tables, chairs, toilet soap, tissue etc.; all the basic necessities. Syasya helped call the quiz participants from other university to find out on their preferred accommodation.

Besides that, I have two lovely ladies, Nabilah and Myra helping to oversee the certificate printing and prizes which was done by Kak Aznum. All certs were only printed a day before the event. How can I forget to mention the marks tally team. They worked closely with Dr. Jose and Dr. Eby. Vino and Min had to also prepare the mark sheets for the quiz.

There were times when things were very discouraging, but I was glad almost everyone in the faculty turned up and gave their contribution. Special thanks to Dr.Renjit to help get the whole BDS 3 to help us out.

There was a sense of excitement in the morning clinic a day before the event. Afternoon classes were cancelled for all 3 batches. The seniors had a full rehearsal of their presentation while the rest were like busy bees arranging the chairs, helping up to prepare the booklets. 

The tooth model was up and ready. The students in charge of backstage were all brief on their job scope, so was the Food and Beverages team. The man behind the PA system, Dylan was getting familiarize with the mics and lightings. The backdrop was also up; VIP tables and sofas in placed. 

Photo credits: Zheng Tao

Everything was check, check, double check. Syasya also prepared nametags for the committee members (yay!). Yati and Ain stayed back late to finish up the prize table while Dr.Koshy forced the rest of us go back and rest.

We started the day at 7.30am. Tian Yuan was stationed at the main entrance guard house to receive our guests from other universities and of course our VVIPs.  The FnB were already getting ready the food for breakfast. The prizes were also laid up elegantly over shiny cloths. Lyana kept the VIP table ready. Pretty lads were also stationed at the registration counter. Cameraman and woman (Yung Yee & Ping) were already clicking away. Everything was going according to plan.

Photo credits: Zheng Tao

The registration started around 7.30am. Fried Meehoon and hot tea was served as breakfast. After the arrival of all the big shots, the event started. 

The Mcs for the day Esther and Munn-Yy first address the floor followed by the speech from our Dean and then the Vice-Chancellor. All went well with the tooth model for the opening ceremony and the first presenting group for the conference was up. I managed to listen to a few presentations and was quite impressed at how our seniors carried themselves. Although they were nervous, most of them managed to answer confidently to the questions thrown by the judges. Hope I can do that too when my time comes. Once all presentations are done, Prof Abdul Rashid handed a small token to the judges.

(Photo credits: Zheng Tao)

We break for lunch around 12.45pm. Nish and I were relieved that the student conference went well, congratulating Dr. Prashanti and Dr. Jose. As the rest were enjoying lunch, one group of students were getting the tables and chairs arranged, laptops and wiring fixed on stage for the dental quiz.

The quiz started at 2pm. Our college sent out 2 teams of whom were picked through a small test. Each team consisted of 4 members. There were total of 5 other teams from UIAM, UM, PIDC and SEGi. Dr. Prashanti and Dr.Prithi were the quiz masters. We first began with picking out a group name. A representative from each team had to draw a lot from a glass bowl. The name would be one of the names of a standard dental textbook, for example Peterson, Sturdevant, Carranza etc. 

After that, the teams were asked to sit in their places. All teams first when through a preliminary round wherein the top 5 can later advance to the final round, without having their marks carried forward. Unfortunately the 2 groups of UIAM didn’t manage to make the cut. 

We had another 30 mins break around 3pm for our Muslim friends to go for prayer. UIAM participants left us at that time, catching the daylight to travel back to Kuantan. 

For the final round, the 5 teams get to move up to the stage. There were total of 5 rounds which all were quite interesting to watch. The buzzer round was indeed entertaining but sadly I felt it was a little too short. (Did I mention we had fun testing out the buzzer the day before?) The audience also got a chance to participate in the quiz when the teams can’t get the answer; with a chocolate bar as a reward for the right answer. Whether participating or not, everyone was enjoying that afternoon, some on the edge of their seat.

There was a light refreshment of fruits serve after the quiz ended. The marks tally team was working hard to total up the scores. Everyone gather back in the hall and the student performances started. The first was from our senior, Dinesh and his dance partner Duwaraka blew the audience with their always clean and swift steps of traditional Indian dance. (Love their makeup. Hee~!) That was followed by Esther’s performance. She serenades us with a mash up of Passenger’s Let her go and Frozen theme song Let it go. (I’m telling you, Dean was at awed)

The results for the Student Scientific Conference Oral Presentation and Dental Quiz were announced. The top 5 for SCC, CCL and Daniel duo got first place, followed by Eunice Chong and Li Ting, Agnes and Wesley, Li Li and Jilian and lastly Jane and Jovian. The top 2 groups would represent the college for the oral presentation in the National Student Scientific Conference, this year held in AMIST. The next 3 groups will represent in the poster presentation. As for the Dental Quiz, we were glad that both our team made it to the top 3. PIDC was the 1^st runner up and they were indeed a strong opponent throughout the quiz. Congratulation to all that participate in that day events, everyone is a winner in one way or another.

The prizes and certificates of participations were all given out and Dr.Jose as the organizing chairman gave the closing speech. Once everything ended, the students stayed back to tidy up everything. Though everything went smoothly, there was much room to improve. One thing for sure, no more last minute prep.

Anyway, I really thank those who did lend a helping hand throughout the event. Don’t be sour if I didn’t mention your names here. Everyone was wonderful that day and you should be proud of yourself.  It was great working with all of you. Muakz~ <3

All other photo credits go to Yung Yee and Ping