Paediatric dentistry- An age-defined speciality
Paediatric dentistry is a dedicated field for children's oral health care. The dentist provides holistic child oral health care, especially for those in particular need. However, the practice encompasses preventive care, restorations, minor oral surgery and interceptive orthodontics for infants through teen years.
In Pakistan, the scope of paediatric dentistry is quite limited, which creates a need to establish centres for proper training across the country. Dr Saleha reminisces, "Opting for pedodontics was a difficult decision, especially when there are no training schools for the particular. However, it was inherent gravitation towards this choice attributed to early childhood dental influences." Her zeal to achieve excellence in pediatric dental management and to create everlasting impressionable dental memories for the children distinguishes her among the top pediatric dentist in Pakistan.
Her vision to strengthen the roots of paediatric dentistry in Pakistan sets her as a perfect example for women in dentistry to acknowledge leadership roles.
Experience is a step towards success
Sharing her experience in the field of dentistry, "Dentistry is a very diverse profession. It imbibes tremendous personal and professional development. As a lady, this profession is very emancipating and adds wisdom, grace and charisma to our disposition. The advent of incredible global and very impressionable influences not just in the field of dentistry but also in science, politics, literature has contributed very positively to the progressive role of women in dental sciences."
Dr Saleha believes that the key to success lies in persistence, constancy, self-discipline, tolerance and teamwork. Of each individual, along with the support from your mentors. They contribute significantly through their lifelong learning experiences and cultivate holistic skills in you not just by verbal communication and affirmation but in essence leading by example.
A career in paediatric dentistry
The career path to a pediatric dentist is a constraint in Pakistan because of limited resources, training centres and professional support. In addition, the concept of pedodontics is not common among people as well. However, Dr Saleha quotes, "There is a lot of scope for developing this field in Pakistan. With time, people are more aware and understand the importance of speciality dentist for better treatment outcome." Henceforth, for a brighter future, strategic initiatives should be taken by the medical council of Pakistan to design a proper curriculum and facility to cultivate new specialities.
Women in dentistry
To define the importance of women in dentistry, Dr Saleha quoted Anne Frank, "Everyone has inside of her a piece of good news. The good news is you don't know how great you can be". Her words reflected her visions of a brighter future for females in dentistry, especially in the field of pedodontics, as the outline of the field reflects upon compassion and patience which, is a true attribute of women. Nonetheless, limited resources can act as a barrier to further development of the field in Pakistan.
Dr Alizey Shahid
The author is contributing writer at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at alizey.shahid@yahoo.com
