HKU Faculty of Dentistry Bulletin: October 2016
Faculty News
National Love Teeth Day 2016, 20 September, 2016
20th September has been designated as China's National "Love Teeth Day" (LTD) since 1989. The aim of the yearly nationwide promotion campaign is to encourage her people to conduct preventive oral health care and promote oral health education through special activities. External Relations & Knowledge Exchange Unit, HKU Faculty of Dentistry echoed the nationwide campaign with an oral health exhibition in the Prince Philip Dental Hospital on that day. Three BDS V undergraduates engaged with attendees through multiple booth games, oral health consultation, and tooth brushing demonstration. "The public participated enthusiastically in the consultation. They asked many questions about how they can improve their oral health using various dental instruments such as floss and mouthwash. Perhaps it reflects the unfamiliarity with the use of these dental hygiene tools among the public," said Jimmy Lo. "We got very positive feedback from most of the attendees. They love it!" he added.
To view our photo gallery, please visit:
<http://gallery.facdent.hku.hk/Faculty-Oral-Health-Exhibition-National-Love-Teeth-Day-2016/>
Research
Finding the Causes of Dental Phobia
Dr Gloria HM Wong, Clinical Associate Professor in Paediatric Dentistry, led a research team to find out the causes of Dental Anxiety Provoking Scale (DAPS). 460 respondents completed the survey and rated 73 items that might provoke one's anxiety. Seven leading factors were rated high on the list. They are: dental check-up, injection, scale and drill, surgery, empathy, perceived lack of control and clinic environment. The study also showed that male and female respondents perceived the stimuli of anxiety differently. The former tended to show a relatively high anxiety towards perceived lack of control, empathy and dental check up, whereas the later showed a relatively high anxiety toward injection, surgery, scale and drill, and environment.
Dr Wong commented that besides the patient's own traumatic experiences, the dentist's behavior and the environment may also contribute to the expression and development of dental fear. Dentists, therefore, should be well aware of anxiety preoccupation of the patients, in a way to help reduce patients' fears around dental treatment.
Reference: Wong HM, Mak CM, To WM. Development of a Dental Anxiety Provoking Scale: A Pilot Study in Hong Kong. Journal of Dental Science 2015; 10:240-247.
Knowledge Exchange and Community Engagement
Student KE Project in Kunming, China
In August 2016, Dentice, a sub-branch of the Young Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Group of Hong Kong, organized a successful 5-day service trip to Kunming, China. Thirteen enthusiastic dental students, under the guidance of Dr Mike Leung from the University of Hong Kong and Dr Shinan Zhang from Kunming Medical University, provided basic dental examination and preventative treatment to the rural community and kindergarten. More than two hundred people were served. The trip was a valuable learning experience. The many cherished memories made will hopefully continue to inspire the spirit of service for future dentists. The service trip is supported by the HKU Service 100 Fund 2015/16.
BDS Corner
Innovation and Technology Scholarship Award Scheme
2016 Awardee's Sharing - Madeline, Yon Jun Yu (BDS V)
University of Birmingham, UK, Aug 2016
In August 2016, Madeline was offered a chance to conduct research in the field of biomaterials at the University of Birmingham. The research internship was supported by the Innovation and Technology Scholarship Award Scheme. "It was a great experience for me as it was my first time working in these new laboratories in their newly built dental hospital," as she recalled. During her internship in the dental hospital, Madeline was able to get practical hands-on experience with various laboratory instruments and apparatus. She would also like to take this opportunity to thank Prof. William Palin and his research fellows who taught her the extensive knowledge of laboratory and data handling techniques. The lively discussion that they had was the most memorable scenes for her. "I'm very grateful for the opportunity and I certainly hope that there will be more chances to join exchange programme in the future." Best luck with that, Madeline! Well done!
For more information about the Innovation and Technology Scholarship Award Scheme, please visit: http://innotechscholarship.hkfyg.org.hk/
Call for participants
Continuing Dental Education (CDE) Seminar in October, 2016
Topic: Diagnostic Challenges Using CBCT Imaging: the Art & Science of Good Reporting
Speaker: Prof Michael Bornstein, Clinical Professor in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong
Date: 20 October, 2016
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, The Prince Philip Dental Hospital
Check out the complete 2016-17 CDE Seminars Schedule: http://facdent.hku.hk/docs/2016/CDE_Leaflet_Registration201617.pdf
The Faculty offers regular lectures and courses for continuing dental education and continuing professional development. To learn more about CDE courses, please visit: http://facdent.hku.hk/cde
Upcoming
