Panacea

Why you so down?

2011-06-03T22:15:00.000-07:00

1. Assignments and examinations
They all come in one whole pile

2. Lecturers unsatisfied with work
Lecturers criticized hard work

3. Friends
Do I have any?

4. Skills
Temporary crown falls off within hours.

5. Outside activities
I work hard for it and I don't get to go and I get killed for it

SOLUTION:
1. Work work work
2. Be humble and accept it :)
3.I have Jamie Chew
4. DSL here I come
5. Just do not suggest any activities. Just follow the school's curriculum

Semester break ?

2011-05-05T03:02:00.000-07:00

Although it is semester break for a week, I am working equally as hard as if there isn't any.
The sad thing is, working hard does not equate into studying because most of the time, I am working on my research project.

Sometimes I wonder.. where are my priorities?
No wonder I tend to get B and C for examinations!

Feeling Lazy and bored at the moment.
Wou sihuan ting Bueno Mars de ga
My chinese improving lolz!

I am addicted to dentistry

2011-01-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

I love teeth!

Lists...

2011-01-28T06:57:00.000-08:00

Finally, I finished 3 years of dental school and I am on a 3 week break! :)

Semester 6 was lovely but I think I should put more effort in studying. I think I just pass my examinations probably scoring in the 60 range or maybe just 50?? .... :(

Anyway, as usual, I am addicted to LISTS... So here is my List to do in the next 3 weeks!!

1. Seremban (Talk - Saturday morning)
2. APDSA meeting (Saturday night), prepare agenda
3. Clean my room
4. Study SFT and LST materials to teach people english and how to stop negative behaviours like smoking etc
5. Learn chinese online
6. brochure on extraction
7. research project
8. read malcom gladwell books
9. wrap my books
10. read medical problems in dentistry
11. write chinese new year cards
12. make cookies for valentine's day for friends
13. cny shopping!
14. meet my friends..
15.. lots of rest!

Things to do at uni (need 2 days before semester starts)
1. My pedo work
2. Practice crowns and class 2, 4
3. Timetable
4. Print lecture notes sem 6 (lol)
5. denture
6. sem 5/6 clinic summary
7. meet prof toh about (2 sports event, community project, pedo project, research project-caries risk assessment)
8.bring oranges!!
9. need a new file for my work sheets
10. clear my cupboard.. arrange it!

Greediness leads to emptiness

2011-01-11T14:18:00.000-08:00

One would think that one would have more by being greedy as your hands tries to grab as many things as you can.. But in truth, one would feel so empty because it will never be enough!

There is always a sacrifice to be made in life. Maybe, that is why we are called a living sacrifice to God. Its just runs in our blood?

Updates

2010-11-16T18:36:00.000-08:00

I know I have been MIA for quite some time. Been just busy going through life, that I hardly even meet up with any of my friends.

I am glad to spare some time to catch up with Jenna last weekend... almost 5 months not meeting up! Can you believe it??

Later, finally going over to Chan's house to play a board game with Wei June and Min Huei :D

Been spending quite some time with church. This was one of our recent trips to Broga hill.. Really enjoy the fellowship :D

I am so hooked onto church of christ radio online.. i am really surprised with the kind of christian music out there.. some are even so rap-ish!!
but anyway... i want an ipod for christmas with christian tunes!!!

Mooo vie!

2010-11-16T18:31:00.000-08:00

I just watched this movie "Dear John" by Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried.

Do watch it too if you have the time .

: )

Wǒ shì Zhōngguórén.

2010-09-05T04:57:00.000-07:00

Trying to pick up mandarin! Please practice with me
http://www.daydayupchinese.com/e1002.html

NUS -PART 1

2010-07-23T03:41:00.000-07:00

Friday:
1. Lecture on Lat ceph (good revision)
-Purpose: Quantitative analysis to describe and compare
-Method: Distance from x-ray source to mid saggital plane is 5 feet. Right side of patient towards film.
-There is magnifiaction (hence there are dual images)
-Patient's head in Frankfurt horizontal plane (parallel to the floor)
-Indicated: ant-post discrepancy (Class II, III), vertical discrepancy (AOB), impacted maxillary canine
- Landmarks:
a) Cranial base and cranium (sella, nasion, ba -ant part of foramen magnum,po -sup part of external auditory meatus, or -inf point of orbital margin)
b)maxillary (ANS- boundary of radioopaque, radiolucent, PNS, Point A, Is point)
c)Mandibular (Pog - most protruded, Me- most inferior point, Go - opp of me, B- alveolus, concavity, Li point)
-Plane:
a) ant cranial base (s->na)
b)Frankfurt Plane(p ->orbitale)
c)Maxillary (ANS -> PNS)
d) Occlusal (Molar, PM, noincisor)
e) Mandibular (menton -> gonion)
-there should be a COMMON meeting point in a well proportional face!
* You can still dothe tracing without remembering the anatomical landmarks since some of the 4th year students could do so, but better to revise and know your stuff!!

2. PBL session
-Similar to ours. They discuss by using facts obtained by journals. They have cases (OPG/clinical pictures) and they have to come up with a treatment plan that is evidence based

3. Clinical session
-better equiped (materials, instruments). have videos to watch before clinic session like CSU. Learnt nothing much.
:( Just helped being an asst and all that... charting...

4. Dental center unit
-saw a fiber post-core for #21 and temporary restoration. It had a cracked due to trauma. It was extruded so that the crack would be supragingival. RCT was done for the tooth previously.
-very common nowadays, patients to have crack teeth. I/O: illuminate, percuss, EPT, cold test, Put band around it to hold the tooth for it to have less pain ->crown
- scaling and polish (polishing paste and dry pumice)
- difference between clencers and bruxers
a) daytime vs nighttime
b)concious vs unconcious
c)sharp looking canine/pm vs flat teeth
d)deep bite vs left right
e) blow to stop clenching vs nightcguard
f)change guard only when perforates
g) lower guard? vs upper guard?

APDSA makes me SMILE! JAPAN!!!

2010-07-05T03:34:00.000-07:00

VIDDDDDDDDDDEEEO!

2010-05-31T07:57:00.000-07:00

Dear IMU-IANS, namely dental students,
Hi!
please give me your ideas on how we can create our video! *kei li?* or i dunno.. who else reads this blog? haha

I know everyone is busy.. but, if u just have an idea, please send it to: chongjunai@gmail.com

I will be eternally grateful and i will buy you IKEA ice cream

below is more information:

MDA Dental Student Congress Video/Power Point Presentation Competition 2010
Theme: “One University, One Lifestyle”

One question would always pop-up in a student’s mind: How exactly is the lifestyle of a student in a different university? What are the differences and similarities? In conjunction with the first ever MDA dental student congress, we want you to think big about your university, your course, and show us the lifestyle of a dental student in your institute.
• What can one expect from the university?
• What do you do in your free time?
• What makes it so special to you?
• How are the classes conducted?
• How do you personally feel about your university?
Every dental student is interested to hear what you think, and to find out, the organizers are holding a video/power point presentation competition. Submit a video/power point presentation of your university and you could win an attractive prize!

we are planning to video shoot this wednesday at 10.30am, OHC.. if you want to be famouus. please come and join us!!!

Better to post more positive thoughts :)

2010-05-21T00:37:00.000-07:00

Romans 8:28 God is good while sometime life is hard

but God always good to all who love Him according to His purpose

Man can plan but ultimately it's God will be done not our will. Matthew 26:42

Living simply - yet Focused

2010-05-21T00:27:00.000-07:00

"Look at the birds of the air.. consider the lilies of the field.." Matthew 6:26,28

Consider the lilied of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin"-they simple are!
Think of the sea, the air, the sun, the stars, and the moon - all these simple are as well -
yet what a ministry and service they render on our behalf!

So often we impair God's designed influence, which He desires to exhibit through us, because of our own concious efforts to be consistent and useful.
Jesus said thereis only one way to develop and grow spiritually, that is through focusing and concentrating on God.
In essence, Jesus was simple saying, "Do not worry about being of use to others; simply believe on Me".
In other words, pay attention to the Source and out of you "will flow rivers of living water" John7:28.
We cannot discover the source of our natural life through common sense and reasoning, and Jesus is teaching here that growth in our spiritual life comes not from focusing directly on it, but from concentrating on our Father in heaven. Our heavenly Father knows our circumstances, and if we will stay focused on Him, instead of our circumstances, we will grow spiritually - just as "the lilies of the field."

The people who influence us the most are not those who detain us with their continual talk, but those who live their lives like the stars in the sky and the "lilies of the filed"- simply and unaffectedly. those are the lives that mold us and shape us.

Is you want to be use to God, maintain the proper relationship with Jesus Christ by staying focused on Him, and He will make use of you every minute you live - yet you will be unaware, on the conscious level of your life, that you are being used of Him.

by Oswald Chambers, my Utmost for His Highest

Devotional sharing from sabrina.. Thanks Sabby :)
She reminded me to remember the source of life which is God and to depend on Him. Thanks for the reminder Sab.
:)

I know the past few weeks, I have been grumpy (haha!), pushing myself... because i felt i was not doing enough. just push, push, push and everyone wants a bit of me, and i give, give, give.. and i forgot to refresh myself ask strength from God.
But I am glad that He understands me the most, and still never forsake me..
Thank you! Gives a flying kiss to God. :D

Sorry for being bitter like the past few weeks... I get too emotional... yikes!

Rise up!

2010-05-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

In the morning I was feeling miserable again.
But after some thinking, Why let circumstances corner you?
Makes you look even more stupid.
So, I decided to rise to the challenge!
I think the intimidation would make me stronger!
oh yeah,Sayonara Japan! *tries to fake a smile*

Reflections...

2010-05-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

Many sentences are echo-ing in my brains right now.

"Don't forget that you must take care of yourself"- Prof Toh
"How do you feel that your friends are leaving next semester?"- Dr Saad
"Everyone would say its okay though it isn't"- Chan
"Don't expect anything in return"- Jin Lin

Sometimes, I wonder. How much of your heart, mind, soul would you give to the things you undertake, Miss Jun Ai?

I really have no limits, if you ask me and that is dangerously harmful to myself. And, I am grateful, that I have a wonderful partner in life, who constantly look after me (Thank you Chee Hoe!)

My parents think I am naive to go all out but this is me.
If I do not give my 100% effort, it is better not to even start at all..I don;t seek for praises. I do it for self-satisfaction.

Today, I realized, that I should have followed my senses, to have gotten Lydia and Arthur as emcee.. should have insisted.... but I was a little taken aback when they didn't want to do it cos I am not that kind of person who like to force people.. if you know what I mean.. I give opportunities, if you do not take it, I would do it though I hate it...

But its okay, this is part of my training to be a better leader. :)

I am not sure whether I should proposed my idea about MDA. I think I have to talk to Alice from MAHSA and a few others who are more senior in this dental world....

robot chatting

2010-04-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

Was dying to talk to someone and decided to talk to some robots..

TerinaBerridge0979@hotmail.com says:
Looking for my Prince Charming

jun says:
too bad i am a princess charming

TerinaBerridge0979@hotmail.com says:
hey, hows it going?

jun says:
well, i am bored.. but i think talking to you is even boring

TerinaBerridge0979@hotmail.com says:
i'm 22/f your a male right?

jun says:
does jun sound manly to you? piff!

TerinaBerridge0979@hotmail.com says:
nice, I just got off work and finally got some time to relax which site did i msg you from again?

Product of studying...

2010-04-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

Community Water Fluoridation in Global and Malaysian context

2010-03-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

My assignment (But don't really like it as I didn't spend a lot of time on it)

Dental caries remains a major public health problem in most industrialized countries, affecting 60–90% of school children and adults (1). This is especially important in the third world countries in the region of Africa, Latin America and the poorer parts of Asia which is primarily caused by changing dietary habits of high sugar content with inadequate exposure to fluorides(1).

Much studies in dental research have given focus on fluorides as a key component in preventing dental caries. In fact, fluoridation is probably one of the very few preventive health strategies that has stood the test of multiple trials and studies under varied controlled conditions(2).

Fluoride protects teeth both systemically and topically (3). The enamel becomes more resistant to dental caries when fluoride is incorporated into the crystal structure. In addition, fluoride limits the demineralisation of enamel and promotes remineralisation (2). It also lowers the activity of cariogenic bacteria.

Individuals who are at low risk for dental caries can maintain that status through frequent exposure to small amounts of fluoride (drinking fluoridated water and using fluoride toothpaste) whereas individuals who are at high risk for dental caries would benefit with additional exposure to fluoride (mouthrinse, dietary supplements, and professionally applied products)(4). The Adequate Intake of fluoride to reduce dental decay without causing moderate dental fluorosis is set at 0.05mg/kg/day (3). Meanwhile, the Upper Intake Level is the estimated maximum intake level before any toxicity of fluoride occurs (3). It is set to 0.10 mg/kg/day for children to age of eight years old (3). On the other hand, the Upper Intake Level for older children and adults who are no longer at risk for dental flurosis is set at 10mg/day regardless of weight (3).

A systematic review has shown that a 24% reduction of dental caries in the permanent dentition of children and adolescents is present with use of fluoride toothpaste (5). This is because for every increase of 500ppm of fluoride in fluoridated toothpaste, there is a 6% reduction in caries and vice versa (5). Hence, adult toothpastes contain 1000-1500ppm F(5). However, children toothpaste is limited to a concentration of 500ppm F to reduce the potential risk of fluorosis(5). Also, it is advised for children to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste because children tend to swallow toothpaste with a mean amount of 0.3g (4).

In the meantime, a reduction of 30% of dental caries has been shown in individuals who rinse for a minute with 10 ml of 0.05% sodium fluoride solution daily(5). Besides that, fluoride varnish of 22mg/ml in fluoride concentration has been shown to reduce dental caries by 46% in the permanent dentition whereas fluoride gels applied in closely fitting trays reduces dental caries by 28%(5). Fluoride supplements are only to be given to children from the age of 6 months old to 16 years old who are living in non-fluoridated areas (3).

Various methods to deliver fluorides to the community were used worldwide which includes flouridated water, milk and salt. According to a systematic review, water fluoridation reduces the prevalence of dental caries by 15% (6). While it remains debatable, water fluoridation has been shown to be the most cost effective anticaries public health measure and is a “great equalizer” as everyone, regardless of age, race or socioeconomic status can access community water fluoridation as a preventive agent (7,8). Moreover, it is highly effective because there is no need of a change of behavior to obtain the benefits of fluoridation(3).

Malaysia is one of the countries that uses water fluoridation and the earliest population to receive fluoridated water is the people of Johor Bahru(9). Recommendations to introduce fluoridated public water supplies in Peninsular Malaysia was approved by the cabinet as a national policy in 1972(9). The optimal flouride concentration range for water fluoridation is determined by various factors such as the natural fluoride concentration of the water, climatic conditions and dietary habits (10). Currently, the water fluoridation programme is set to the value of 0.4 to 0.6 parts per million in Malaysia (9).

On commencement of extensive water fluoridation programme, the prevalence of dental caries for 12-year-olds in Peninsular Malaysia declined from 78.4% (1970/71) to 71.3% (1988) to 57.1 % (1997)(11). Other studies conducted worldwide such as in Newburgh, New York showed that 6-9 year olds had 58% less dental decay than their counterparts in non-fluoridated Kingston, New York after ten years of water fluoridation(10). This data is indeed a strong reflection of the effectiveness of water fluoridation in dental caries prevention.

Accidental ingestion of fluoride dental products occurs mostly in children younger than six years old (6). However, only mild and self-limited gastro-intestinal symptoms were present (6). There have only been three incidents of fatalities involving dental fluoride products due to negligence but otherwise, it is extremely rare for fluoride to cause acute fatal poisoning (6). In fact, there is no significant health risks related to fluoridated water (6). In addition, we should be reminded that the “window of vulneralbility” to fluoride overexposure is between 1 and 4 years old, and the child would not be at risk around 8 years old (12). Furthermore, fluorosis caused by water fluoridation were mostly mild and not usually of aesthetic concern (7). Nonetheless, possibilities of fluoride toxicity should also be discussed to stregthen the case for water fluoridation. It has been shown that excessive fluoride in drinking water (>2mgF/liter/day) will lead to dental fluorosis (12,5).

For every $1 spent on water fluoridation, it would save $38 in dental treatment costs(3). It has been projected that dental caries would increase if water fluoridation is stopped unless other measures are taken such as a topical fluoride program that was adopted in La Salud, Cuba(3). Hence, when water fluoridation was ceased in 1960 in Antigo, Wisconsin, without any other intervention, there was 200% more decay in 8 year olds after five and the half years without water fluoridation(3).

Although, the “halo” effect due to distribution of food and beverages with fluoride to non-fluoridated communities has caused a smaller difference of decay rates when comparing between fluoridated areas and non-fluoridated areas, the difference is still significant (3). Therefore, further research to find a biomarker of fluoride to estimate a person's fluoride intake and the amount of fluoride in the body is important to enhance the evaluation of the impact of water fluoridation (4). Also, more research is needed to evaluate the effects of new fluoride modalities and various combinations among groups and persons at high risk(4). Moreover, research on the influence of environmental, physiological, and pathological conditions on the pharmacokinetics and effects of fluoride should continue to ensure the safety of fluoride (4).

Currently, only 67.3% of the United States population receives fluoridated water despite the many evidence of the benefits of water fluoridation(3). This is because some communities are still confused about this public health measure(3). Therefore, the public must be accurately informed of the the advantages of water fluoridation(3).

In conclusion, the World Health Organization recommends fluoridation to continue in areas of high sugar consumption. However, health authorities should not be overzealous and overdependent on fluoridation because dental caries is not caused by lack of fluoride but a multifactorial process. A colloborative effort between the dental surgeons and the health authorities in prevention of dental caries is important to enable lives to be transformed through oral wellness.

References:
1. Petersen PE, Lennon MA. Effective use of fluorides for the prevention of dental caries in the 21st century: the WHO approach. Community Dent Oral Epidemiology 2004; 32: 319–21.
2. Can Fam Physician 1988; 34:1333
3. Fluoridation Facts, American Dental Association
4. Recommendations for Using Fluoride to Prevent and Control Dental Caries in the United States August 17, 2001 / 50(RR14);1-42
5. Essentials of Dental Caries by Edwina A.M. Kidd
6. J Dent Res 71 (5) : 1255 – 1265 may1992
7. Yeung CA (2008). "A systematic review of the efficacy and safety of fluoridation". Evid Based Dent 9 (2): 39–43.
8. Concepts in Dental Public Helath by Jill Mason
9. MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA (2008) History of Dentistry In Malaysia http://ohd.moh.gov.my/modules/xt_conteudo/index.php?id=99
10. Appropriate Use of Fluorides for Human Health by J.J Murray
11. R. Esa, I. A. Razak. Dental fluorosis and caries statusamong 12-13 year-old schoolchildren in Klang District, Malaysia. Annal Dent Univ Malaya 2001; 8: 20-24.
12. Alvarez JA, Rezende KMPC, Marocho SMS, Alves FBT, Celiberti P, Ciamponi AL (2009). "Dental fluorosis: exposure, prevention and management" (PDF). Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal 14 (2): E103–7.

Would you...

2010-03-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

1. Would you kill your lover if she is a suicide bomber and if you do not shoot her, she would kill many people around her?
2. Would you take up a job if it means that you have to cause other people to lose their job like in Up in The Air , Mr George Clooney's occupation?
3. Would you treat a patient as an inexperienced dental student with potential to cause harm?

Your articles wanted!

2010-02-26T18:08:00.000-08:00

The oral health website is up! www.imuoralhealth.blogspot.com

It is looking very empty and it needs your help to be filled!

So do feed it with your articles from your blogs regarding about:
1) Experience with patients (Clinical case section). Exp: I have a patient with chronic periodontitis (background of disease, management etc)
2) FLOSSING, teeth sensitivity, toothbrushing etc(Patients Concern section). SO, you can open the website and use it as an educational tool in the clinic
3) Questions for exams, notes etc (Student corner section)
4) Our past activities on dental events and upcoming events
5) VOTE for your books that you have used in SEM1-4 at bookworms section, send in your links to good e-books etc
6) Tooth wonderland- if you love facebook games, you can come here and play teeth games!

Email your resources to: chongjunai@gmail.com.
ANY DENTAL STUDENT/LECTURER FROM ANY DENTAL UNIVERSITY IN THE WORLD CAN SEND IN THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS.
Thank you

Pray everyday, all the time

2010-02-24T17:15:00.000-08:00

Interesting facts from periodontics by J D Manson and B M Eley
1. Calculus is rarely found on decidous teeth and not common on permanent teeth of young children. However, by age 9, it is found frequently and is present in virtually all adult mouths.
2. Lang et a (1973) showed that if teeth are cleaned at intervals of 48 hours no gingivitis results but if cleaning is delayed for 72hours gingival inflammation is produced

What does this mean:
1) Children below 9 years of age rarely require scaling
2) You can be lazy to brush your teeth for 3 days without getting gingivitis. HOWEVER, this depends on your immune system as well! I still STRONGLY ADVOCATE: 2 x BRUSHING IN A DAY!!!

Important for remembering numbers

2010-02-21T05:31:00.001-08:00

1 - T, D
2 - n
3 - m
4 - r
5 - l
6 - ch,zh,j,sh
7 - k, c
8 - f,v
9 - p,b
0 - s,z

Broga: Beautiful pictures!!!

2010-02-20T01:21:00.000-08:00

Please go to Su Anne's facebook to view them.
Hhaha.

I brought a camera but I took only.. 7 pictures. I panicked.. and took random shots.
Here they are:

Welcome to Outbac, Broga! The instructors are friendly! Very safety conscious and cheap (RM50 +RM10 bbq)

This is the chicken that gave Su Anne a HUGE fright! It was hiding in the dustbin eating someone's left over nasi lemak.

This is the rock climbing thingy. It is so tall, I couldn't get the whole height of it though I was practically lying on the floor to get the picture... It was FUN!!!!! But tiring.. Can someone bring me rock climbing again pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

See the line above the pond, that's the flying fox. Quite fun. Wheeeee!

oh yeah, we kayaked in the shallow pond, there are fishes in there... would have liked to "Fish" but quite painful to fish out RM10 for the fishing line.

There are many other stuff we did as well.. Like.. the leap of faith. It really takes a lot of guts to climb up a tree and jump for a bar that is 0.5m away from you. I mean, if you don't catch that bar... you would falll.....to your death.. but luckily, got harness! I wouldn't make a good Indiana Jones lady (never watched the movie but I heard she jumps over clifts).

Broga's hill was nice! LOTS of people hike up there.. 100-200 a day? I like walking in the dark with glimpses of the torch light. Its amazing after that, when you walk down the path with the sun up and realized that you could have died earlier if you stepped a little bit to the left as there's a huge drop down.

Love you SABBY! Happy 21st!

Its FINISHED!

2010-02-18T06:20:00.000-08:00

Yeehaa! I finally typed, printed, cut, stick letters to the 9 dental schools in Australia regarding about APDSA (36 coloured pages in total) . I do hope that there would be participants from Australia this year! It took me so long as earlier I went through students but as they are on vacation, I decided to post straight to the deans now. I hope my letters are error free! I had to reprint some as I was careless to type: "Proffessor"

I am still awaiting reply from the Malaysian dental schools. Left 2 more schools out of 10!

MEANWHILE, for Oral Health Club; This is my dental dinner proposal:

For example: a person can fill the jar with 1 cents.
The description would be : I noticed that many people tend to complain about “expensive” visits to the dentist. My dream is to change the perception of people of one who cares for their health by visiting the dentist regularly as it is worth their money. Regular visits translates to early detection and prevention of oral diseases meaning bettter health and a brighter smile. Furthermore, if we translate the cost of two dental visits in a year to a daily affair, we are making a very small but worthy daily investment of a just a few cents a day!

ORAL HEALTH CLUB MEETING FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS ON: 23 FEBRUARY 2010, 9-10.30AM

future plans and general career aspirations after graduation from PDS/IMU Clinical School

2010-01-28T17:30:00.001-08:00

“The human heart feels things the eyes cannot see, and knows what the mind cannot understand.” - Robert ValettThough I have yet to taste “life” as people ahead of me have always mentioned and my outlook towards life is still coated with lots of hope and enthusiasm, I know deep down that no matter what circumstances I am in, my heart is always right.

This is because if you separate my dreams from me, I think I would have lost meaning and purpose of my life as I have lost my identity. For each step I have taken so far has been towards my goal which is to be an educator.

An academician needs to be well-versed in the field interested, and hence, after graduation from IMU clinical school, I would like to do my post graduate studies in the UK. However, I would complete 2 years of compulsory government service first to gain more clinical experience before going abroad. After getting my post graduate degree, I would then like to finish off my last year of compulsory government service at a public university as a lecturer. Whether I would continue my government service or to work at a private institution, it would all depend on the opportunities offered.

At the end of the day, I hope to contribute in shaping passionate dental surgeons of the future because that is where my interest lies.

Everything happens for a reason...

2010-01-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

My Korean friend, remember Eun Chul? He wrote to me that he was sad that he couldn't go to Machu Pichu in Peru as it was raining and it was the highlight for his trip... I feel so sorry for him. However, I was curious to know what this Machu Pichu is (reminds me of Kei Li "pikachu?" in the convo form)... And I googled!!

I got the shock of my life.. It isn't just "rain" there at the moment.. but really bad rain! 6 people died (mudslides, flood) and thousands of tourists are stranded there at the moment with little food!!! I hope Eun Chul is ok and he really isn't at Machu Pichu.

Teeth sensitivity

2010-01-26T16:29:00.000-08:00

Ordinary sensitivity toothpaste does not offer instant relieve but Pro-Argin does... True or false? I am going to find out through a simple experiment!

1. 5% Potassium Nitrate (chemical formula: KNO3) is the active ingredient in desensitizing toothpaste. Potassium Nitrate in conjunction with Sodium Fluoride in the toothpaste significantly reduces symptoms within two weeks.

Mechanism of action: Potassium ions penetrate into the dentinal tubules and block repolarization of the sensory receptors of neuron’s dendrites of the pulp those usually carry out the pain impulse to the Central Nervous System.

After initial depolarization and transmittion of the impulse to the brain, a repolarization is expected to occur, where ions of Potassium leave the neuron’s membrane into the surrounding tubular fluid due to a lower concentration gradient. If we apply additional Potassium into the dentinal tubules, concentration gradient of Potassium in the tubules will be higher than the one in the neuron’s membrane and in that way potassium from the membrane won’t be able to exit the membrane and allow repolarization. If repolarization is blocked, nerve can’t conduct another action potential (impulse), and CNS will stop receiving pain impulses. If elevated levels of potassium nitrate are maintained, the depolarized state decreases the perception of pain. It can almost be described as a numbing effect on dentin hypersensitivity.

2. Test research suggests that at physiological pH, arginine and calcium carbonate interact and bind to the negatively charged dentin surface to form a calcium rich layer on the dentin surface and in the dentin tubules to plug and seal them.

How ProArgin™ Technology Blocks Pain

ProArgin™ Technology triggers an occlusion of the dentin tubules that remains intact even after exposure to acids, preventing transmission of pain producing stimuli.

Convention part 2

2010-01-17T16:16:00.000-08:00

Sunday was just as exciting as Saturday but I could feel my stamina going down as by 4pm I was DEAD TIRED!!

I met up with my high school mates who are studying at University of Melbourne which was great! I find them very enthusiastic (recording the lectures and all).

I only visited 2 trade booths (Colgate since I wanted to meet up with Dr Adi and Pearly White to get some denture cleaning stuff for my grandpa). Seriously, no time to visit when you sit in for all the lectures!!

Just a few things that I picked up:
1. Remember to ask your patients whether they have any veneers/crowns before you do scaling on them! You will damage the veneers if you do scaling on them because the margins are very thin...
2. Go an extra mile by helping your patients brush their teeth esp if they tell you that they cannot reach to the back of their mouth. If you can do it, why can;t they? So, go practice brushing your siblings teeth now!!
3. Swiss Cheese theory:Make sure you have as many layers of cheese as possible (safety nets) to avoid getting SUED!!

and many more facts..which is lost in my brain..

I better start doing my tumor assignment.. I AM SOO DEAD.. I think tonight I might have to stay up doing it :(

17th FDI/MDA Scientific Convention!

2010-01-16T06:05:00.000-08:00

IT WAS GREAT!!!!!

Though the seminars were hard to understand (as expected), but at least, I did learn something.. Have you heard of 1 Care? No? Well, it is a proposed better and integrated health care system!

Anyway, I met up with MY UKM peeps (gives huggy)!! Fun to hang out with them since the IMU people left after lunch...

I stayed back till 7.30p.m. to support Prof Seow in the newly formed Malaysian Association for Prosthodontics.. Though, Prostho is not my favourite at the moment (my Removable Partial Denture is a mess currently!) but just gonna be a student member-la!

I hope to visit the trade booths tomorrow!
Now, gotta go do my tumours assignment...tata!

My new friend: Meet Mr Chatter Teeth!

Thoroughness is the key

2010-01-15T05:34:00.000-08:00

I appreciate the sharings from my friends about their encounters with their dental surgeons... what they like about their dentist and what they don't.

Kuhanesh reminded me to be totally OBSERVANT and to look out for other conditions in the mouth besides the site of complaint. Its just like how I love my mechanic who checks through my whole car though I just send it in for one complain. My dad thinks that the mechanic does that to earn more money, but I would like to think that he wants to make sure its safe for me to drive!!

So, dear friends, do relate your experiences to me and also, do ask me any oral health questions that you have and I do my best to answer them!!

:)

Trying to serve you better!

Feels like baking cookies...

2010-01-14T07:10:00.000-08:00

I have no idea where I left my brains.... been busy thinking about the Oral Health Club Meeting on Monday and others.. everything except STUDYING.. Oh yeah, I made "I love dentistry" pins for everyone who attends the meeting.. going to give out some to my friends tomorrow.. hopefully, its nice enough for people to want it and come for the meeting!! kakkaka..

This weekend going for DENTAL CONFERENCE!! 800 PEOPLE WILL BE THERE! so excited!! I hope I open my mouth to meet people.. hope, I meet some dental students and not only dental surgeons! :) I am skipping Malaysian Studies though.. prob, one of the only classes I EVER SKIPPED in my life.. *feels slightly guilty*

Talking about skipping classes, might skip class on the 28 JAN as well.. if I get selected that is... I really do want to attend the National Scientific Competition at University Malaya esp to meet up with the friends I met in APDSA.. however, Kumar has to be at my side man... cos... as usual.. I cannot remember people's names and he does.. haha.

Ahh!!

2010-01-04T06:48:00.000-08:00

APDSA stuff is so complicating..
feeling lazy to plan my 1 month Japan trip also..

Realism is imperfection as it can never be ideal.

2009-12-29T22:47:00.000-08:00

I was talking about my dreams yesterday and it dawned upon me that my dreams are pretty much "idealistic", not at all "realistic".

I mean, reforming the way our education system works so that students will be instilled the deep desire to learn is... impossible?

I dream of going overseas to get a degree on creative education after my BDS. Is that course even available? Can I even afford it? Is taking Public Health a step towards creative education?

Nevertheless, I don't think dreaming is a waste of time. I feel that if you dream and look , you will get at least somewhere.

For now,my plan is to complete my BDS degree and in the same time, get involved with the dental society, community, external bodies like APDSA.

I am sure opportunities will come to lead me to my dreams!

Zombieland

2009-12-28T20:17:00.001-08:00

Joseph: I will cover your back
Junny : AHHH!!! Save me!
Jenna : *Bang bang bang* Die!!
Kean Lee: Everyone ready? I am moving up.

We had a good game at the cyber cafe (First time experience) after dinner at Vary Pasta.. I loved it!!! The adrenaline of shooting zombies down and saving team mates. I am glad that my boyfriend is not a gamer or I will be addicted as well!!

Too bad I forgot to shoot a picture of ourselves though I brought my camera.

Activities of the past few weeks

2009-12-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

1.Sereban Lock-in: a great time of fellowship!

We were competing with this team on some dance moves. I really love the Seremban youths, fun, humble and loving people. I wish you all the best George in your studies in New Zealand!!

2. Visiting patients at the Institut Jantung Negara as part of my church's annual activity during the Christmas season.

I enjoyed seeing the expression of surprise, delight and amusement of the children when Victor pulls off some magic tricks on them. :)It was fun to read stories to the children, talk to the families, applying medical knowledge by observing the signs and symptoms of their heart disease like periorbital swelling etc.

3. Christmas at Seremban 2

Yummy Christmas eve dinner

my mom and dad singing christmas carols

Our Christmas curtain with our love notes in it!

We got a new COOL MONOPOLY SET as it is our family tradition to play monopoly each Christmas. You have to purchase land deeds and houses by CREDIT CARD!!! I love technology
Besides that, we had our annual bible quiz on the Sermon on the Mount. I am very proud with my younger sis and dad for being able to answer many questions!

This time we watched Sherlock Holmes instead of bowling because my mom has a swollen toe and unable to wear the bowling shoes. Oh yeah, did I tell you that my mom got lost in the park and we were worried sick as we were searching for her for almost 35 minutes??

On the other side

2009-12-17T17:25:00.000-08:00

I visited UM dental school for a day yesterday and I had a great time! I hope I will have more opportunities to join them again for more learning experiences.

I only managed to catch the award ceremony of the scientific research competition as it was held the day before and I had to be at uni. But at least, I managed to walk around to view the posters! :) I am hoping to borrow a copy of the scientific research competition booklet to read the abstracts.

Oh yeah,guess what! I met Dr Adi (Colgate) whom I have been correspoding! Small, small world! I had a nice chat with him. Oh yeah, Paige, Shafina and Boon, your goodie bags are on the way for helping Colgate!

What was most inspiring was the session on entrepreneurship. The presentation had videos of succesful dental surgeons contributing to the community.One of them is a dental surgeon in USA who created a programme called "Homeless but not Toothless". He provides free dental treatment to the homeless so that they can get a job again. The beauty of the programme is that he puts down a few conditions of which the homeless have to be commited, punctual, clean, get a job and help another person to get back to society.

Interesting ideas!I hope I would be able to do something like this in the future.

Guess this riddle!

2009-12-13T05:02:00.000-08:00

What kind of dentist am I?

Part 2

2009-12-11T23:06:00.000-08:00

"Harlow! I am supremely bad at chess. Do you think you could teach me a thing or two? Can I checkmate the queen?" grinned a guy, flashing a set of beautiful straight teeth.

"That's the lamest pick up line I have ever heard.Here's a quick tip: Don't try it on another girl. It won't work," I replied,turning my back at him.

"You are right, it probaby won't work on another hot girl. But, fortunately for me, I was given the task to pick you and the team up. So, you don't quite have a choice but to follow me," he laughed before walking off towards the team.

"Hey guys! I am Neil, Neil Khoo from University of Malaya. I'm your escort for the day. Gather your things up and follow me!" said Neil pointing towards a white van parked 50 meters away.

As everyone started carrying their baggages towards the white van, I was forced to do the same thing though my inner ego was screaming at me to flag down a taxi in rebellion.

"It looks like I had successfully captured the queen. Come, let me help you with your luggage," said Neil,picking up my bag. He carried it and placed it at the back seat.

Since I was the head of the team, I had to sit in the front with Neil while John, Swee Ling and Nancy sat at the back with the luggages.

I got into the front seat and started searching for the seat belt while Neil started the engine.

"Don't bother searching for the seat belt. There isn't one. Though, there is a law on buckling up including the back seat passengers, the Malaysian authorities are pretty much layback. The only time to watch out for the police is during the festive season!" explained Neil

"Really? But don't you care about safety? The mentality here is way different than back home, in Australia," I replied.

"I definitely do care about safety but this isn't my van. So, I have no power over this. Anyway, do not worry, I am driving way below the speed limit," Neil replied.

Am I still your friend?

2009-12-11T17:29:00.001-08:00

I'm sorry for saying "No" to all those movies, lunches, dinners, parties, shopping invitations and being MIA all the time.

Can I redeem myself now since I am on "holidays"? (I hope I pass!)

I will try to say "YES" to your invitations if you still bother trying to ask.

Jason invited me for paintball on Monday... Maybe, I should call him and tell him I CHANGED MY mind and go? I guess I have to ask my boyfriend first.

I STILL WANT TO BE YOUR FRIEND!!I don't plan to be some obsessed dental student!

Going crazy

2009-12-10T03:15:00.000-08:00

I regret not taking the time off from studying to join the 1st online APDSA meeting last Friday...cos right now, I am reading 50 over pages of chat lines. SO TEDIOUS!

But I am glad for Stanley who helped me with the minutes and all..
Thanks man.
:)

The Chess Queen

2009-12-03T03:32:00.000-08:00

She stood at the foot of the luggage conveyor belt waiting for her suitcase to appear. While waiting, she looked around, admiring the clean, large airport at Kuala Lumpur. She certainly didn't expect that Malaysia, a developing country of which she had never heard of before to have such a nice infrastructure like this.

"Hey, Angela! Your suitcase is over there," shouted her teammate, John.

I looked at where he pointed and sure enough, my black and white checked suitcase which was a gift from my teammates after I won the International Chess Competition at Germany last year was heading my way.

My friends often teased me as the queen of chess and I truly hated it. Though, it is true that I am really good at chess as I started playing ever since I could understand the word checkmate but..... everytime, when a guy got to know that I am a chess player, the phone calls would stop.

I really do not get why people associate chess players with geeks. We are just like ordinary people who know to have fun too! The only difference is maybe... we can predict a few of your moves ahead of time, if you know what I mean.

I grabbed my suitcase from the conveyor belt and rolled it along with John and the rest and headed out of the airport.

We were supposed to wait for a guy from the local university who would be organizing the Asia's Grand Master Chess competion. I decided to run through some chess strategies in my head to kill time.

" Harlow! I am supremely bad at chess. Do you think you could teach me a thing or two? Can I checkmate the queen?" grinned a guy, flashing a set of beautiful straight teeth.

Revolutionized Christmas

2009-11-28T03:46:00.000-08:00

Every year, my family would exchange presents and we all look forward to Christmas.

However, after talking to my dad a moment ago, and from all the financial worries my mom always tells me plus that HUGE IMU education bill,

I decided to suggest to my family not to exchange presents this year but instead to exchange LOVE NOTES!

Though my wish list was a music player for my future patients in the clinic..which I pretty much want badly, but I told them that it wasn't that necessary. Also, each and everyone of us have the things we need already....and why bother stressing with the Christmas crowd?

We will stil have our Christmas tree but this time it would be made out of lines of which we will peg our love notes for each other. Then, on Christmas day, we will take turns to pick out notes and to read it aloud! I told them that if it was too girly thing for the guys to do, they can say a prayer for each fmaily member instead.

I am hoping they would agree with my suggestion. I feel that this would bring the family closer, less materialistic, back to the focus, of sharing our love from the heart and not by our wallets.

:)
I encourage you to have a revolutionary christmas too!

I'm thinking...

2009-11-26T01:07:00.000-08:00

Geriatric dentistry!!

I have no idea why but I have a soft spot for elderly people.

Anyway, yesterday, I brought my grandpa to the dentist to try to save 3 out of his 4 remaining teeth.

Seeing him on the dental chair made me felt REALLY GUILTY!!

I couldn;t believe how uncaring I have been to promote oral health to other people but forgotten about my loved ones!

HENCE, yesterday, I went to see how my grandpa brushed his teeth... It was actually quite hard cos he closes his mouth to brush. I had to think of ways how to make sure his brushes clean. I tried checking his teeth after he brushed but honestly, I can't quite tell for sure. My eyes are still pretty much untrained. Maybe, I should try to get hold of that toothpaste that gives you an indicator of remaining plaque..

Anyway, after my exams, I hope to read up about OHI for the elderly. MAYBE, this can be a good project for the preventive competition held annually? (inclusive of the earlier community project of adopting an old folk's home?)

So,many ideas, so many things to do.. I hope that God gives me the drive to studyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

I need to...

2009-11-25T00:15:00.000-08:00

STUDY study study study. I think that I think more of needing to study than actually doing the process itself.. At the rate I am going, I am going to F-a-I-l... RIGHT smack in my face.. and then .. what happens??

I am a gonnER.Full stop.

Says to self.. I need to study. MUST STUDY. have to study. i love to study. Why I want to study? So, i dun kill my patients not that any patients died on the dental chair.

Sorry, as u can see, I'm a bit loopy.. quite moody too..

The Road Home

2009-11-20T17:45:00.000-08:00

He strolled along the quiet path, kicking the pebbles as he went along. He was fully absorbed with his thoughts that he did not pause to admire the blissful scenery around him.Regrets of the past swirled around his mind.

Suddenly,he heard a soft "plonk". He looked towards his left and saw the huge, glassy lake of which one of the pebbles he had kicked had fallen in.

He approached the lake and stared into it.

He was shocked!Though he looked smart in his expensive suit, he could see the wrinkles on his forehead which was a result from all the stress he has gone through. As he gazed on, he realized that not only did his appearance changed but his heart as well.

He felt like an entirely different person and he couldn't recognize himself anymore. His heart was filled with sorrow.

If only, he could find a signboard pointing to the right direction, the RIGHT direction home. He longed for a life full of joy, satisfaction with no regrets.

"I am ready to leave the past and live in the present," he said aloud.

Get in and STAY!

2009-11-15T22:45:00.001-08:00

Trying to study..

Vote for my hand!

2009-11-14T05:17:00.001-08:00

Click here and vote!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/wwwfoodstreetcommy/118201533385

I belanja makan if we win with the vouchers. Haha!

My sis thinks its pathetic that I am asking people to vote for my hand.. haha. but we thought that was the most creative one?

Look at the other pictures:

Lecka-licious

licka lecka

A day in Jun Ai's eyes

2009-11-07T07:21:00.001-08:00

Today, at last, after 12 hours,after 4 PATIENT DTL sessions of trying to bend wires, I FINALLY managed to bend the Y-clasp. It isn't perfect but I am satisfied that at least I am not such a loser after all.

One down... 3 more to go.. hopefully in less than 36 hours!

Today, the first lady told me that at the rate I am going, I will never see any patients. Maybe, she is right? But, then again, I really don't mind being slow, BECAUSE I know deep down, I CAN DO IT. And I won't touch a patient till I AM SURE MY PATIENT WOULD GET OUT THE CHAIR WITH A SMILE!

Today, I got lectured by Prof Toh, scold here scold there. And I got stuck at my Zinc oxide eugenol temporary dressing for 2 hours at the rubber dam and squiveland band stage. But as the session drew to the end, I managed to finish my dressing with the help of Joshua and Paige. Prof Toh tidied up my work abit and then she said, "Good effort".

I was speechless.Seriously. I just kept QUIET!
Really appreaciate the motivation.

Lesson for today: to be EXTRA EXTRA Neat, to place back instruments at the RIGHT position after using no matter HOW slow I am.

Being organized is important.

And ya, you just read a normal day in my dental life.

Huge struggle. I never knew anything could be this hard.

Trigger D- Hematology

2009-11-07T07:21:00.000-08:00

A 10-year-old boy’s dental appointment was cancelled because he was diagnosed by his family physician as having leukemia and had to be seen by a paediatric haematologist.
1. What is leukemia?
2. What is the difference between leukemia and lymphoma?
3. What are the major types of leukemias? Briefly describe the clinical manifestations.
4. What investigations are done for the diagnosis of leukemia?

"I am not to be blamed!" says Third molar

2009-11-04T06:31:00.000-08:00

If you had braces when you were younger, LIKE I DID, and if you have lower anterior crowding LIKE I DO now (sad),

it is not due to your erupting third molars or commonly known as wisdom teeth!

Then, who is the nasty culprit?

1. Growth of your maxilla ceases earlier than growth of your mandible. Because of overbite, your lower anterior teeth cannot move forward to the extend of the lower jaw growth but tilt lingually to a smaller circumference which results in crowding.

2. The maturation of soft tissues during teenage period may increase the pressure from lips, causing crowding.

3. More forward drift takes place in the lower dentition than the upper which increases crowding.

Ref: MOSBY'S ORTHODONTIC REVIEW by Jeryl D. English

I am yet to know what's the correct time to have braces on since "late or secondary crowding" happens in the late teens and early 20's. But for now, I wished my orthodontist had INSISTED that I make new retainers as years goes by and wear them to keep my perfectly aligned teeth THEN.

Now, I have to wait for my friends/ someone nice to align my teeth for me again (at a cheap price)!

Fluoride

2009-10-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Guest,

Hope this answers your question (guest: just wondering is it true that high levels of fluoride makes teeth brittle?)

High levels of fluoride can cause Dental Fluorosis which in the moderate form, >50% of the enamel surface is opaque white. The rare, severe form manifests as pitted and brittle enamel. Even in its severe form, enamel fluorosis is considered a cosmetic effect, not an adverse functional effect.

However, the risk for enamel fluorosis are limited to children aged <8 years because enamel is no longer susceptible once its preeruptive maturation is complete

Also,how HIGH is HIGH for flouride to cause toxicity? Please view table.

It has been shown that excessive fluoride in drinking water (>2.0 parts per million/2mgF/liter)has lead to dental fluorosis. However, In MALAYSIA, the water level of fluoridation is monitored at 0.4 ppm-0.6ppm.

How does fluoride work to control dental caries?
Fluoride inhibits the demineralization of sound enamel and enhances the remineralization (i.e., recovery) of demineralized enamel. Fluoride along with calcium and phosphate (from de-mineralized enamel) establish an improved enamel crystal structure which is more acid resistant. Fluoride also inhibits dental caries by lowering the activity of cariogenic bacteria.

At the end of the day, as usual, anything in EXCESSIVE amounts or in INADEQUATE amounts is detrimental. A healthy balance is always required.

References:
1. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/fluoride/facts/fluoridation_facts.pdf
2. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5014a1.htm
3. Essentials of Dental Caries by Edwina A.M. Kidd (Oxford publications)

Generousity a sign of prosperity?

2009-10-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

I get annoyed when people think I am "Rich" especially when I offer to pay for meals and stuff. Money doesn;t come easy and my parents really work VERY hard to fund my education and all that, with hours of 10am-10pm job, 6 days a week!

I enjoy showing hospitality to people and appreaciation because AI LOVES people. If you really look at my lifestlye, and my parents's... we only spend when necessary. For example, though my parents own a computer shop, do you know I used to have JARING dialup till .. like.. just recently? Also, though I would like to go for conferences like MYM HK but because I calculated how EXPENSIVE it is to just go to a country for 3 days... it ain't worth it.

Anyway..

life still goes on.

Working hard

2009-10-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

I realized that this year I truly lost my focus, both on God and academically.

I did not work hard enough. I get my 7 hours of sleep daily, and at times even up to 9 hours!

I am really glad that God has thrown many stones at me to wake me up of my daze. Friends like Shafina, Su Anne, Kei Li, Sabrina, Paige and even Chan really inspired me to work harder.

I hope this post won't be a "cakap-cakap" only.

I HAD ENOUGH OF COMPLACENCY AND MEDICRIOTY! ITS TIME FOR EXCELLENCY WITH GOD'S HELP!

Pseudodog

2009-10-07T22:23:00.000-07:00

This is really random but I saw a cat tailing a boy everywhere he went yesterday! When the guy ran across the road, the cat ran after him, and happily walked along with him. Its either the cat fell in love with the boy or it thinks its a dog.
I much prefer the latter suggestion.

Pseudo-DOG

Never forget Him

2009-10-02T08:29:00.001-07:00

Today's dental dinner WAS AWESOME!!

The responses from the audience was great (especially the assasination), the atmosphere..
I really appreaciate Paige for her INITIATIVE.. YOU ARE TERRIFIC!! and I really thank God for Su Anne, Kei Li and Sabrina who helped to suggest ideas and not to forget the IT people, Arthur and CHING!! (he helped me find the "BANG BANG" sound- THE SURPRISE!!

I really enjoy planning events. Did you know I wanted to be a "Planner" before? Hahah.
Glad that the Meng Yit and Shim from UM could join us too...

Above all, I thank God for giving me the heart and strength to help Paige and not to mention, the assasination idea! I think I read too many detective stories when I was younger!

I hope that God would now help me to focus in my studies so that I can do stuff like this more often without feeling GUILTY!!

To book or not to book?

2009-09-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

To go or not to go for HK MYM?
I really want to go but is it worth it? Almost a thousand ringgit for airflight and.. its close to my EOS 4 which is a killer!
I got the feeling that I shouldn't go with my slow pace of studying.
Dillema
:S

Surprisingly Awake!

2009-09-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

Its close to 2am but I am still awake! WHY? Because I have been so slacky, I had to finish my essay, PBL and poster by today!!

On a different note, I was inspired by my lecturer today.

He asked us this question: "How does the pain from your big toe travel up to your brain?"

We said:
"NERVE"

He said, "That answer is what people on the streets would say, the taxi drivers, the butcher... I expect a semester four medical student answer"

He is so right. I feel like I have zero knowledge. I am TRYYINNG hard(?) to study!!

My essay: (But I don't like it. Lack of substance!)

Assignment: Slot Cavity Preparation

Management in dentistry has shifted from G.V. Black’s principle of “extension for prevention” to “preservation by prevention” approaches in the recent years1. The main aim of the tunnel preparation technique is to preserve the marginal ridge so that the approximal contact point is maintained2. This is accomplished by drilling with a small round bur through the central main fissure occlusally and directing the bur towards the proximal area avoiding cutting through the marginal ridge2.

When Jinks first introduced the tunnel preparation in 1963, it was used not to treat carious lesions but rather as a preventive method3. He prepared tunnels in sound second primary molars and restored it with fluoride-rich material so that the fluoride ions would flow into the adjacent erupting first succedaneous molars3. Thus, the permanent first molars would be resistant to dental caries as fluoride enhances mineral uptake and also, reduces the rate of demineralization4.

In 1984, only did both Hunt and Kent independently used the tunnel preparation technique to treat proximal carious lesions2. After all, initial carious lesions often occur beneath the contact point that is beneath the marginal ridge2. Subsequently, it is unnecessary to gain access to the carious lesion through the ridge allowing preservation of healthy tissues5.Moreover, cutting of less tissue translates to less restorative material used5. Additionally, there would be less overhanging restorations as only a minimum area of the proximal surface is cut5. Also, the benefit of using the tunnel preparation is that secondary caries can be prevented when fluoride-releasing material is used to restore the tunnel6. Not only that, the esthetic appearance is superior to amalgam6.

Despite the many benefits of the tunnel preparation, there are risks involved such as incomplete caries removal due to poor visibility at the proximal area, marginal ridge fracture and exposure of the pulp. Hence, it has been suggested to place a laminate restoration with an occlusal composite material to strengthen the marginal ridge6.

There are two types of tunnel preparation. When there is carious cavitation in the proximal enamel with adequate support for the marginal ridge, total, open or Class II tunnel restoration (Hasselrot, 1993) is advocated6. In this type of tunnel preparation, the whole proximal carious lesion is excavated, including the demineralized enamel6. Meanwhile, a modified technique of the class II tunnel restoration which has been described as partial, closed, class I tunnel restoration (Hasselrot,1990),blind tunnel (Forsten, 1990) and internal preparation (Hunt, 1990) is used in cases where the enamel is porous but still intact3. In this type of tunnel preparation, the enamel area of the carious lesion is left untreated. This is because the fluoride from the restorative material would remineralize the area6.

As the diameter of the tunnel decreases, the restorative material is better able to support the marginal ridge2. Kneadable, low viscous or flowable restorative material is injected into the tunnels from the occlusal opening2. It is vital to fill the tunnel completely without any air trapped for maximum strength of the restored tooth2. In the past, the tunnel preparations have been restored with various materials such as amalgam, composite resin and glass ionomer cement3. Nonetheless, the preferred material of choice is glass ionomer cement3.

Glass ionomer cement, developed by Wilson and Kent in 1972, derives its name from its composition of a calcium fluoroaluminosilicate glass powder and an ionomer that contains carboxylic acids such as itaconic, maleic acid and tricarboxylic acid7. Tartaric acid is also included to improve manipulation and to increase working and setting time7. Additions of lanthanum, strontium or zinc oxide provide radiopacity for future detection in radiographs7.

The desirable properties of glass-ionomer are adheres to calcified tooth structure, releases fluoride, minimal effects on the pulp and are tooth-coloured8. However, they are unsuitable for use in load-bearing areas because it is brittle8. Thus, glass ionomer cements have been reinforced with silver alloy powder which acts as stress absorbers7. This modification of glass ionomer is called metal-reinforced glass ionomer cement7.
Slow acid-base setting reactions cause water sensitivity and low early strength of glass ionomer7. Hence, polymerizable functional groups are added to glass ionomer cement to form resin-modified glass ionomer cement or hybrid ionomer for rapid curing by light or chemicals7. Polyacrylic acid modified with methacrylate and hydroxyethylmethacrylate are responsible for the polymerization7. Thus, hybrid ionomer cements have higher early compressive and diametral tensile strength along with the other good properties of conventional glass ionomer cement such as being able to bond strongly to tooth structure, release fluoride and biocompatible8.

In conclusion, though tooth restorations by the tunnel technique often fail due to recurrent caries and marginal ridge fractures which comprise of 26% of the failures, one study recommends this technique in premolars especially in people with low caries activity9. Glass ionomer cement, a biomimetic material is an ideal restorative material as its mechanical properties is alike dentine and most importantly, it is able to release fluoride over a period of time8.

References
1. Qualtrough AJE et al. (2005) Principles of Operative Dentistry Oxford: BP
2. PATENT STORM (2005)Device for Restorative Dentistry [Online] Available from: http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6854974/description.html [Accessed 7 September 2009]
3. Darren J.S. (1999) In Vitro Microleakage and Adaptation of Tunnel Restorations
4. Edwina A.M.K (2005)Essential of Dental Caries 3rd ed.Oxford
5. Satish Chandra et al. (2007) Textbook of Operative Dentistry India: JB
6. C. E. Pilebro • J. W. V. van Dijken (2001) Analysis of factors affecting failure of glass cermet tunnel restorations in a multi-center study Clin Oral Invest (2001) 5:96–101
7. Anusavice, K. J.(1996) Phillips’ Science of Dental Materials 11th ed. USA: Saunders
8. Martin J.T. (2006) Clinical evaluation of glass-ionomer cement restorations J. Appl. Oral Sci. vol.14 no.spe Bauru 2006
9. Nils Pyk, Ingegerd Mej re (1999) Tunnel restorations in general practice. Influence of some clinical variables on the success rate Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, Volume 57, Issue 4 September 1999 , pages 195 - 200

Say cheese, I just had an x-ray!

2009-09-12T03:32:00.001-07:00

I found that image absolutely CUTE! I am so going to make bookmarks with it.
I am hoping to do a Peri apical x-ray next week on ... Su Anne?? and get one on myself too!

LEO ROCKS

2009-09-12T02:49:00.000-07:00

If you ask me what I remember most of my high school days, the first thing that will come to mind is: the LEO CLUB!!

I remember the countless hours, headaches, heartaches, and effort I put in to manage the crazy active club.

Sometimes, I wonder whether I would still have the enthusiam and energy to do such a thing in university. With the establishment of IMU Oral Health Club (?) SOON, my question is: how much effort should I put in? I believe the club would be a great tool to spread the 'love of oral health' virus and would be a stepping stone for me in my interest of public health education.

My current project idea is (inspired by Nirmal):
Proposal : Adopt An Old Folks Home
Duration : 6 months
Visitations : Twice a month on Saturdays (2 hours per visit)

Objectives
1. To understand the needs of the community
2. To provide oral health care to the elderly
3. To educate the community on how to maintain oral health
4. To nurture caring, patient proffesionals

Methodology
1.To understand the needs of the community
- This can be done by spending time with the elderly.
Suggested activities for visits
1st visit : See how the house is being run. Observe daily routine
2nd visit : Be involved by helping out feed/talk to the elderly. Build relationships
3rd visit : Patient History and examination
and so forth
Each visit should have a session of oral health education suited for the elderly, session to bond with the elderly (playing chess, talking, singing a song, a drama,cooking a meal)

2.To provide oral health care to the elderly - Upon knowing the needs of the elderly, we can now provide treatment for them (Full dentures/Partial dentures)
- Since, they would be our first patients, it is an advantage that we get the chance to bond and to know our patients before treatment for easier management. Also, we are able to "select" patients by language for easier communication.
-Also, we can raise funds so that we can provide FREE treatment for them. We can ask sponsorship from companies such as Polydent.
Task: Before asking for sponsorship, we need to know how much full dentures/partial dentures per patient cost to know the exact target to raise
- An added advantage is that we will be following up with our patients after treatment more closely for better compliance. Hence, higher rate of success.

3.To educate the community on how to maintain oral health-This can be carried out by short talks/demonstrations
- Free oral health products can be given out
- Awareness on Mouth cancer etc

4. To nurture caring, patient proffesionals
- Caring for the elderly is not an easy task. By spending time with them, we will be able to understand their habits and adapt to it.

There are many obstacles on carrying out the project. But I hope this project will come to pass!

Oh yeah, if you are interested to know more about Leo, view this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4vWMyLg3to&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fleosmkdj%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded#t=31
(wait for my picture before stopping the video)

I am hoping to do up a video for APDSA too if I pass my examinations in DECEMEBER!!

Realistically optimistic

2009-09-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

I am getting distracted. I seem to take breaks every 10 minutes of study! *Helps*

Anyway,
an optimist would say:
" Though the Sin graph is a "S" shape graph where the bottom curve is at the negative area, well, all you got to do is transpose it (y= sinx +3) (?? i forgot my math..)..and even the bottom curve would be a positive value"

a realistic optimist would say:
"LAW OF GRAVITY.. no matter how up you see things, even if you throw a stone up it would come down".

the OPTIMISTIC OPTIMIST would then reply,
"I will just throw it so up that it reaches space and then, it would float there forever."

is that realistic?
Seriously, can one be an OPTIMISTIC OPTIMIST and still be realistic? Still debating with Chan. He thinks that nothing is quite impossible. There is always a solution for everything.

Walking down memory lane

2009-09-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

I am at the e-lab in my university and Su Anne just showed me this cool feature of google maps!
You can actually walk down the streets of Australia, US and UK....
Way cool!!!
: )

*I was here!!*

If only XX can see eye to eye with XY

2009-09-05T07:36:00.001-07:00

My title has nothing to do with this post.
I am trying to maintain self control by not complaining as I do not have the right to do so.
Neither gender is perfect.

Anyway, just pictures from my happy happy day!!
This is a picture of my BELOVED mother who SAVED UP HER ALLOWANCE to BUY ME A NETBOOK! I am so SPOILT!! (And oh yeah, not forgetting the balloons, which I pumped ... almost died pumping- so tiring...)

The hardworking satay PEOPLE!! Uncle Douglas and Uncle Philip barbequing the satay my mom made..

And the rest of the pictures would be the guests that came to my house. I REALLY appreaciate all of you who came cos seriously, people who I expect to be there and said they would come.. didn't come.. due to lame reasons.. I am actually quite hurt.. but it is OKAY..I understand!

MY IMU PALSSS!!

MY FORM 6 FRIENDS!!

The water blowers (hugs) and Meng Yit!

Sadly, I don;t have pictures of Wai Kwan and Stefanie and the 2 cambodians... All in my sister's camera...

And lastly, family and boyfriend!!

APDSA!

2009-08-21T18:45:00.001-07:00

APDSA stuff in my room to be given to the Japanese for next year's APDSA during MYM!

Group 21: Taiwanese, Japanese, Indonesians, Hongkie, Malaysians during welcoming dinner

APDSA has been a great experience and I made alot of great friends both locally and internationally.

I hope that I am able to bring A WHOLE group of IMU students to Japan next year but I warn you that the conference fee would be about 450 USD but I think it is worth it! Also, you would probably get back that money when you are working. So, for the moment, write an "I OWE YOU" note to your parents. :)

2 Cambodians whom Boon, Sabrina and the gang met in Cambodia might be coming to IMU (AND maybe 2 taiwanese, and a Korean!)... I hope you all can come and join us to bring them around KL!

Brought Cambodians (Chenh Chhean & Long Seng) to the Butterfly park and Tropical Spice Garden

Brought Taiwanese (Tony and Black)with Lavi for PENANG CHAR KUEY TEOW, ROJAK and ABC!

Prof Seow and Smuggled Peanut

I didn;t win the SRC competition as expected but I do hope at least, I made a good impression of MY Beloved IMU. I thank God for PROF SEOW! When, I practiced with her, and in front of Peanut and her mom, I was totally NERVOUS! The practice helped me to calm down!The poster entries were opened for public viewing from 4-6pm. I made the effort to stand next to my poster to explain it. It was quite tiring to have to repeat my presentations for about 8 times but that was the MAIN reason I entered the competition, not to win but to promote IMU and ORAL HEALTH! I dragged a Japanese whose poster was next to me to present her poster as well. Below is her picture on the left with her supporter during Cultural Night.

Souvenirs from cultural night

City tour with Group 21

Oh yeah, I was selected as General Secretary. I am a little anxious about it as that means I might have to go for the Mid year Meeting in Hong Kong in NOV which is near the exams period ANDDD... it cost 195 USD. I need to start a "Sponsor Jun Ai" fund.

Back to work!

Exciting Elective!

2009-08-04T03:49:00.000-07:00

At first I was dreading doing electives at the Hospital but you know what..
I am LOVING every minute of it AND I STILL CAN;T WAIT TO GRADUATE AND START WORKING! I LOVE the ward rounds. It feels like an episode of "House" or something... A whole gang of dental surgeons tailing the "Boss" and viewing patients. The cases have been pretty interesting though quite gruesome I might say. Will post up experience soon!
Got to go!

Cheap dental gifts?

2009-07-27T06:19:00.000-07:00

I was googling for cheap dental gifts and I came across this:

If someone gave me that keychain during APDSA.. I do not mind AT ALL. Guess how much it cost though. *haha*

Picture this!

2009-07-27T05:49:00.000-07:00

If you noticed, my blog isn't all that interesting.

But I can't help it as I am too lazy to take pictures and upload and think of good writing stuff.

So bear with me. (This blog is ruining my reputation.. but then again.. I don;t even have a reputation to begin with! So it doesn't matter)

To cut story short,

I have been busy travelling around. I just got back from Ipoh. I miss my roommmmmm! But I still cannot live in it as there is a guest staying there. He will be leaving on Saturday but I will be going to Seremban for the next two weeks on Sunday.

Hmphh.

What is Miss Junny up to for the next few days? This is my list of things to do before the end of the week:

Uni
1. Bug Prof Seow to EDIT MY poster ASAP!
2. Carry out the edits and sent it to print
3. Prepare for the 6 minutes presentation and then, present it to Prof Seow and the dean
4. Complete reading dental implant book, write an article on it as my first paid article, and then, return book by next monday
5. Prepare for my hospital internship by reading up sem1-sem3 dental notes
6. Come up with some questionaire to interview patients and brush up in teaching people to floss in MALAY
7. Prepare 50-100 RM1 gifts for APDSA and NO.. I do not intend to buy keychains and give them. So meaningless. Plan to make some really amazing dental gifts but at the moment clueless on it
8. Find out why Dentiste is called nighttime toothpaste,why there is not fluride in it and whether you can use it in the morning by calling Dentiste.
9. After finding that out, plan to send the answer to the dean and then, request for permission to use it as my dental education email project where I plan to send requests for everyday questions on dental issues and I will find out the answers and share it.
10. Go teeth hunting and write thank you cards to the dental clinics
11. Practice teeth carving and study tooth morphology!!
12. Fit lenses into my expensive dental glasses

Church
13. Write an article about my Singapore trip after Zach writes his
14. Do my bible study of "Women in the bible"
15. Complete reading the book of Joshua
16. Complete reading about the Identity of the New Testament Church so I can tell Joseph about church of christ
17. Plan for care team
18. Do bible study with my younger sister
19. Discuss with parents about Naveen's plan to serve at Wangsamaju
20. Paint the church

Friends
21. Shop with Wai Kwan and buy Jenna's 21st birthday present which I can't disclose what here though I think it won't matter even if I did as someone doesn't visit my blog.
22. Bug Victor for my invitation cards so I can send them out.
23. Plan my 21st party

Yes. I think I have exhaust all ideas on what to do with my holiday. WIll add more to it when I think of something. I hope I can attempt doing at least half of them.

Final poster?

2009-07-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

Below is my new, improvised poster based on the first round of comments.

I was very upset earlier because of the poster and something unrelated that I had to sacrifice. IT was a really, Really hard sacrifice for me as I was REally, Really excited about it. However, as I reflect upon it, I think it is one sacrifice I will not regret.

Thanks for your concern.
:)
Junny is half happy :)

2009-07-20T08:28:00.001-07:00

I am very very very upset!

2009-07-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

I am very very very upset!

Hiccups!

2009-07-20T03:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks Stef for making the poster back to its original colours!

I have to change the pictures of the posters (Sorry Kei Li, Su Anne, Sabb.. have to take you guys off).

Owing Stef my life now!

Its times like these

2009-07-20T02:18:00.000-07:00

Its times like these,
I wonder why I am in dental school.
Its times like these,
I wonder why I hadn't choose to do something I am best at.
Its times like these,
I wonder whether my efforts are worth it.
Its times like these,
I want to ask God: "Am I investing my time wisely?".

Maybe, I should just become less ambitious, enjoy life, serve God and spend time with family.
Maybe, my boyfriend was right all this time. Where on earth are my priorities?

My friends are the best!

2009-07-18T06:36:00.001-07:00

This is my very first early 21st birthday present, drawn by Louis. I really love it esp since it revolves around the things I treasure like God (bible verse), dental (tooth), my name and a love chain! :) I have been looking for a photoframe so that I can hang it in my room but I yet to find an appropriate one. I might just send it to a frame shop instead of looking for a premade frame.

A short description of the picture:
The splashes of water is drawn in a manner reflecting the throwing of graduation hats symbolizing graduation day. At the end of the toothbrush, which resembles my education journey, I am able to help those around me with the skills I have acquired.

Yeah.. That is what I gathered from Louis's description of the drawing. Maybe, I should request for a written description so I can stick it next to the drawing. :)

And..
Victor will be creating my birthday invitation card as my birthday gift! I feel so horrible making him do it..:P

but oh well.. what are friends for?? (Yes. Any of you can call me anytime and I will do your errand for you)

I love my friends!

Behold The Amazing....

2009-07-18T02:17:00.000-07:00

POSTER!

THANK YOU STEF!! FOR MAKING THE COLOURS OF THE POSTER BACK TO THE ORIGINAL!

A BIG thank you to Stef & Aunty Christie & Aku for your patience and help to create such a poster!

*Hugs*

Now, I hope that there won;t be much admendments needed!
P.S Oh yeah, Prami,Su Anne, Sabby, Kei Li, Stephanie.. Can I use your pictures?

Men = Evil ?

2009-07-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

Singapore was great!!!

I sent out 24 postcards of thanks! I miss Singaporeeeee!

Anyway, I have been pretty busy ever since I got back. My APDSA poster is almost completed! Hurray!

Waiting for the installation of adobe illustrator on my computer to complete it.

Oh yeah, I love champagne but red wine is BAAADDDDD!

Will update more later?

Desserts?

2009-07-01T01:36:00.001-07:00

I am super desserts backwards.
And I'm having my holiday.
I think I do not have a sweet tooth.
Low desserts threshold level.

Off to Singapore!

Oh no!

2009-06-30T07:06:00.000-07:00

I was happy till I received this:

"Please be informed that you have Failed the In-Course Assessment for Medical Sciences Semester 3."

: (

I just got rejected!

2009-06-29T05:30:00.000-07:00

5.25 p.m.

The line was not THAT long. (Ning: Yes it was). Fine. It was a little long. But at least it was moving.

I whipped out the newspaper cutting of the free redemption tickets of ICE AGE 3 and was thinking of who to invite since the show was at 9.30p.m (pretty late for a school night) and hence, my sister won't be able to watch it with me.

Oh yes!

I am next in line to get the tickets.

Ning: OOOOOOOOOOOH NOOO!

I was puzzled. Next in line! Then, I looked at the table. The last, LAST LAST LAST LASSSSST 2 tickets were given to the lady in front of us.

I laughed.

Then, I was dissapointed.

Fine. To cheer me up, I Went to IKEA for an ice-cream.

Just as I approached the counter, I saw a sign, It says:

"ICE-CREAM SOLD OUT"

Dotdotdotdot

5 Things You Ought to Know About Permanent Dentures

2009-06-29T05:28:00.000-07:00

To read the article, please go to:

http://www.intelligentdental.com/2009/07/04/5-things-you-ought-to-know-about-permanent-dentures/

Thanks

Singapore.. Singapore...

2009-06-28T21:15:00.000-07:00

I will be staying at a church member's home, 3 minutes walk from the Sunset International Bible Institute where I will be taking bible courses every day. I requested for house rules and was pretty amused by it.

As requested, House Rules for Seah family:
1. Wake up by 5am each morning.
2. Be in bed by 8pm each day.
3. Toilet use cannot exceed twice per day.
4. Cannot bring home any new-found boyfriend.
5. Chatting is not allowed at any time at home.

All house rules except number 3 and MAYBEEEE.. Number 4?? (Just kidding, Chee Hoe) is definitely no problem for me for those who know me well. Hahha.

Looking forward to my stay but I will certainly miss MY ROOM!

Journal of Jun Ai-Dentalogy, Volume 1, Pg1-5

2009-06-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

I am so blur! I was selected for poster presentation not oral presentation. Hence, I do not need to write a full manuscript!! But they only told me that after I wrote my manuscript. Oh well.. It was a good experience nevertheless.

A Preliminary Survey Of Oral Health Awareness Amongst Students And Staff Of International Medical University

J.A. Chong School of Dentistry, International Medical University (IMU)

ABSTRACT
The objectives were to assess the level of oral health awareness and to formulate strategies to improve the oral health awareness amongst students and staff of IMU. Methods: An Oral Health Awareness Campaign was held on the 8th and 9th of April 2009 in IMU. A questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate the level of oral health awareness amongst the participants of this campaign. The participants comprised of students and staff of IMU. SPSS version 12.0. was used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 276 respondents participated in this survey which included 186 medical students (67.4%), 30 dental students (10.9%), no? IMU staff (10.5%) and the rest were pharmacy, nursing and other health science students. A total of 65.2% of the respondents visited dentists at least once in 24 months. The most common causes quoted for infrequent visit to dentist included busy (20.3%), no pain (15.2%) and never thought about visiting the dentist (14.5%). Majority of the respondents received scaling and polishing during dental visits (43.8%) but 4.8% of the respondents had no treatment done during their visit. 88.8% of respondents brushed their teeth at least twice a day while 11.6% of them never flossed. However, 40% of dental students who responded flossed their teeth while only 19.9% of medical students flossed. Conclusion: Within the limitation of the present study, it can be concluded that in general, students and staff of IMU have fairly good oral health awareness. Flossing habits should be encouraged as it was not widely practised amongst the students and staff.

Key words

Oral health awareness, Dental visits, Oral hygiene habits
______________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION
Oral health is essential for a high quality of life. According to the World Health Organization, oral health is defined as a state of being free from chronic mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral sores, birth defects, periodontal disease, dental caries and tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that affect the oral cavity. Therefore, it is important that the community possesses good oral health awareness.

Ever since 1977, school children up till 17 years old are under the incremental dental care scheme where they receive annual dental check-ups and dental treatments accordingly1. After that, it is of the patient’s own initiative to visit a dentist for a dental examination. In year 2006, dental health attendances at the dental clinics were 8,932,341 out of a population of 26,640,200 people2.

Traditionally, it has been advocated for the public to have a dental visit every 6 months. As dental caries takes approximately two years to progress through enamel in permanent dentition, people who has a dental check up at intervals longer than 6 months are not at a disadvantage3. In fact, when compared to those who visited a dentist at intervals of 6 months, they did not have more severe dental caries or periodontal disease3. However, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend that for patients aged 18 years and above, the longest interval between oral health reviews should be 24 months. Interval lengths are determined based on individual needs through assessment of disease levels and risk from dental disease4.

There are many reasons that may hinder an individual from visiting a dentist. Fear, cost, lack of perceived need, busy and inaccessibility to dental services are some of the reasons. A survey conducted in England and Wales in 1998 showed that those who attended only when they had some trouble with their teeth had poorer oral health, being twice more likely to have some active decay as compared to those who went for regular dental examinations5.

Besides regular dental check ups, an individual may seek various other dental services such as scaling and polishing, dental extractions, root canal treatment, braces or even making a pair of dentures.
Oral hygiene practices such as tooth brushing and flossing is important in maintaining oral health. Toothbrushing allows application of anti-caries agents such as fluoride from the fluoridated toothpaste used6. Ensuring thoroughness of tooth brushing is more important in plaque control as compared to frequency of tooth brushing. It has been proven that tooth brushing once per day is adequate to maintain oral health and to prevent dental diseases6.

The American Dental Association recommends that flossing should be done at least once a day to clean the interproximal areas and the area below the gum lines for good oral health. It is interesting to note that females links flossing with cleanliness behaviors while males relate use of floss with health-related behaviors7.

Interventions to change people’s habits to a better one can be
successful by disrupting environmental factors that automatically prompt habit execution 8.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A questionnaire survey was conducted during the Oral Health Awareness Campaign that was held on the 8th and 9th of April 2009 in IMU. The survey was written in the English language as IMU is an English speaking campus. A total of 276 people participated in this survey which included 186 medical students (67.4%), 30 dental students (10.9%), 29 IMU staff (10.5%), pharmacy students (8.0%) and the rest were nursing students and others. SPSS version 12.0. was used tocalculate frequency.

RESULTS

65.2% of the respondents visited a dentist at least once in two years. Meanwhile, 4.3% of respondents had never visited the dentist before. Table 1 shows the interval between the last visit to the dentist and the day of filling the questionnaire.

Table 1: Last visit to the dentist

Only 10.6% of respondents did not visit a dentist regularly due to fear. The main reason cited for irregular visits was that they were busy (20.3%). Lack of perceived need to visit the dentist due to no pain, not important and never thought of visiting the dentist contributed 35.5%. Only 4% of respondents had accessibility problems while 7.6% did not visit the dentist due to cost of dental services. Other reasons for irregular visits were: teeth were always clean and being lazy. Table 2 shows the reasons behind irregular dental visits.

Table 2: Reasons for irregular dental visit

Dental services that was most sought for was scaling and polishing which attributed to 43.8%. 8.9% of respondents had undergone orthodontic treatment meanwhile 4.8% of respondents had no treatment done during their visits to the dentists. Only 0.5% of respondents had crowns/bridges and dentures. Table 3 shows the dental procedures that the respondents underwent during their visit to the dentist.

Table 3: Dental services sought

Generally, the respondents brushed their teeth twice daily which contributed 67.8% and about 21.0% of respondents brushed their teeth more than twice daily. Only 4.0% of the respondents brushed their teeth once daily. One medical student brushed his/her teeth once every few days. Table 4 shows the frequency of tooth brushing.

Just 28.0% of respondents flossed while 11.6% had never flossed before. 53.3% of respondents did not floss the day before. 59.7% of medical students, 46.7% of dental students,40.9% of pharmacy students, all psychology students, 50% of nursing students, 30.8% of non-dental staff, 18.8% of dental staff and 33.3% of outsiders chose that option. Table 5 shows the flossing habits of the respondents.

DISCUSSION
IMU students and staff (65.2%) considered oral health important that they made appointments with their dentists at least once within two years. For those who had never visited a dentist in their life (4.3%) might be due to the various reasons cited for irregular visits such as the perception that they did not need to. Though low levels of supragingival calculus (calcified plaque) which can only be removed through professional cleaning is not detrimental to oral health but subgingival calculus had been associated with periodontal disease due to retention of dental plaque9.

Inaccessibility to dental services (7.6%) will not be a hindrance to the students and staff at IMU once the Oral Health Centre in IMU is ready to provide dental service. In addition, for the busy people (20.3%), having a dental clinic in IMU would translate to less time needed for a dental visit as easy access would cut down traveling time..

Currently the trend of dental practice is minimally invasive dentistry, a philosophy to preserve healthy tooth structure10. Therefore, 4.8% of respondents did not have any operative treatment done on them. The dental services required reflected the oral health conditions of the respondents. The low percentage of extractions (7.1%) showed that the respondents had low susceptibility to dental diseases or/and had taken measures in halting the progress of dental disease through preventive actions.

Thorough tooth brushing once daily is sufficient to prevent oral diseases, but tooth brushing is generally recommended twice daily to improve plaque control6. There is no clear evidence at the moment on the best time for tooth brushing (whether before or after meals). Dental screening should be carried out on respondents in relation to their tooth brushing habit to evaluate the effectiveness of their tooth brushing method.

A considerable percentage of respondents (11.6%) had never flossed before. Flossing is important in reducing gingivitis and interproximal plaque11. Again, thoroughness of flossing is more important than frequency of flossing although the American Dental Association recommends one to floss once daily for two to three minutes before bedtime.

CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the oral health awareness of the students and staff at IMU was generally adequate. Nevertheless, more efforts should be taken to continually educate the community of the importance and ways of maintaining good oral health especially the flossing technique. Though this was just a preliminary study as the sample size was small, about 10% of the actual population at IMU, it was still an essential survey because the community in IMU will be the future target patients of the Oral Health Centre in IMU. Hence, understanding of the oral hygiene habits and accessing the oral health awareness level of the students and staff at IMU was vital in anticipation of providing the best dental care for them. Measures should be taken to increase dental visitations accordingly, decrease the fear of seeing a dentist and to give proper oral hygiene education to the community in IMU. In essence, the oral health status of the students and staff in IMU was positive and had great potential to be well maintained in the future.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Many thanks to Associate Prof. Seow Liang Lin for her guidance, Dr Hanan Omar for looking through the survey questions and Prof Toh Chooi Gait for her encouragement. Also, sincere appreciation to the 276 respondents and students who helped the respondents during the filling of the questionnaires.

REFERENCES
1. MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA (2008) History of Dentistry In Malaysia [Online] http://ohd.moh.gov.my/modules/xt_conteudo/index.php?id=99 [Accessed 14 June 2009]

2. MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA (2006) Health Facts 2006 (Prelim) [Online] http://pnd.moh.gov.my/uploads/health_facts_2006.pdf [Accessed 15 June 2009]
3. Sheiham A, Is there a scientific basis for six-monthly dental examinations? Lancet. 1977 Aug 27;2(8035):442-4
4. NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR CLINICAL EXCELLENCE (2004) Dental Recall [Online] http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/CG019quickrefguide.pdf [Accessed 14 June 2009]
5. N M Nuttall, G Bradnock, D White, J Morris & J Nunn, Adult dental health survey: Dental attendance in 1998 and implications for the future. British Dental Journal 190, 177 - 182 (2001)

6. Attin T, Hornecker E. Tooth brushing and oral health: how frequently and when should tooth brushing be performed? Oral Health Prev Dent. 2005;3(3):135-40.

7. I. D. M. Macgregor, J. W. Balding D. Regis Flossing behaviour in English adolescents. Volume 25 Issue 4, Pages 291 – 296
8. Bas Verplanken, Wendy Wood Interventions to Break and Create Consumer Habits. Volume: 25 Issue: 1, Page(s): 90-103
9. Donald J. White, Dental calculus: recent insights into occurrence, formation, prevention, removal and oral health effects of supragingival and subgingival deposits

10. Joel M. White, D.D.S., M.S. and W. Stephan Eakle, D.D.S, Rationale and Treatment Approach Minimally Invasive Dentistry Am Dent Assoc, Vol 131, No suppl_1, 13S-19S

11. Carol A. Jahn (2001) Making Patient-Centered Self-Care Recommendations: Interproximal cleaning [Online] http://www.mmcpub.com/pdf/2001jph/200106jph_pdf/01jphv10n6p45.pdf [Accessed 15 June 2009]

Floss Hunt

2009-06-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

I thought I packed my floss along with me for my trip up to Ipoh. But after ransacking my bag, no floss can be found sadly!

Hence, my bf and I went for a floss hunt. We dropped by petrol stations, 7-11, mini markets and a pharmacy. They sell toothbrushes, mouth wash, toothpaste but NO FLOSS!

I guess it is because Malaysians hardly ever floss and hence, floss is dubbed as the "Slow, unproffitable item".

I am going to digress...
I will be giving an oral presentation at the APDSA Scientific Research Competition! And will be attending APDSA!

Thank you Maxis!

Painful Price To Pay For Complacency

2009-06-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

Imagine a 24 paged project with COLOUR photographs to be REPRINTED TWICE!

WHY?

Someone by the name of Jun Ai just conveniently chucked it into her bag without putting it in a file. What else is in her bag? Her water bottle!

Imagine driving to school and her 10-YEAR-OLD car starting OVERHEATING!

WHY?

Someone by the name of Jun Ai conveniently neglected her car though, she was reminded many times by her dad, by the radio, and by her car engine.

At the end, I had to trouble my neighbour to hand up my report as I will be going to Ipoh today.

Never, never take short cuts! It is like letting the Big Bad Wolf prepare himself to eat you up at Red Riding Hood's grandma's cottage.

Oh yeah, I managed to finish my manuscript! However, it is a little too "concised". I hope I do not need to do much additions!

One of my projects for church :)

2009-06-14T04:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkOhESGBjKw

MOD

2009-06-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

That's my dream tooth preparation!

Parable of the talents

2009-06-11T05:11:00.000-07:00

Sharing of resources
*If you are interested to get the worksheets, do email me at chongjunai@gmail.com*
Sunday School Plan (21 June 2009)
• Praise: Sing two songs & Prayer (10 a.m. – 10.08a.m.)

Intro to lesson: (10.08 a.m.-10.15a.m.)
Object: Car
Do you think there is anything special about this car? No? Show the hidden compartments and stationeries kept in the car. In the same way, we might think that we are just ordinary, without much talent. However, we need to search to discover our hidden talents and to use it. If not, it would be wasted.

• Read passage and answer questions together. Questions sheet will be the notes for the bible quiz (10.15-10.40a.m.)
Matthew 25:14-30 (The Parable of the Talents)
14"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15To one he gave five talents[a] of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. 17So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. 18But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
19"After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'
21"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
22"The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'
23"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
24"Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'
26"His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
28" 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. 29For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 30And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

• Activity: Growing your talents (10.40 a.m- 10.55am)
Each child will get a sheet of paper to write their names on it. Then, the paper would be passed around in a circle for others to write what talents they see in each other accordingly. At the end of the activity, share about the their talents and brainstorm on how to use them to serve the Lord.

• Memory verse: Matthew 25:29 (10.55am till adults class is over)
Write memory verse on a cup and decorate cup. Have each child plant a seed in a cup. They must take care of it daily; making sure to water it, give it light and good company. As it grows, stress the importance of taking care of our gifts and talents so they can grow and be used to help others.

Pair up and pray for one another and ask God for help in guiding them to use their talents wisely.

*Adapted from many websites. Many thanks to the other Sunday School Teachers out there!*

Parable of the Two Sons

2009-06-09T06:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday School Plan (14 June 2009)
• Praise: Sing two songs & Prayer (10 a.m. – 10.08a.m.)
• Intro to lesson: (10.08 a.m.-10.15a.m.)
- Make sure class members see only the outside of each cup. Which of these two cups would you rather drink from?
- Show class members the inside of each cup.Now which cup would you rather drink from? Why?
- Explain that Jesus compared the Pharisees to a cup that is clean outside but dirty inside. The Pharisees paid a great deal of attention to outward ordinances and actions that would make them appear righteous, but they were not as concerned with actually being righteous in their hearts. For this Jesus referred to them as hypocrites. This lesson will discuss the Savior’s condemnation of hypocrites—people who try to appear righteous but who do not try to live righteously.

• Read passage and answer questions together. Questions sheet will be the notes for the bible quiz (10.15-10.40a.m.)

Matthew 21:28-32 The Parable of the Two Sons
28"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' 29" 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. 30"Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go. 31"Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

• Memory verse: James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (10.40-10.50am)
- Write memory verse on the board. Erase one word randomly and ask the children to recite the memory verse. Continue to erase another word and repeat the whole cycle over and over till the memory verse is entirely erased but permanently written in the children’s hearts.

• Activity: List down good things that you can do that you feel will please God according to the topics and do it accordingly. Then, get a witness to sign as proof! (10.50-11 am)
- Life application from the lesson: I will do God’s will to please Him. Jesus is more interested in what we do rather than in what we just say, but don’t mean. Like the son in the parable, changing our mind to do something good is not a sign of weakness but a positive choice and a sign of strength.
-Pair up and pray for one another and ask God for help in keeping their promises and not merely being sayers but doers.

Here's the poster I made yesterday:

The Parable of the Talents

2009-06-09T05:11:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from the story the three monitors:
http://www.barnabasinschools.org.uk/pdfs/9781841014654.pdf
If you don’t try to do things, you’ll never get anywhere in
life. Next time I give you a job, give it a try. I’ll be much happier
if you do, and so will you, even if it doesn’t quite work out.’

Inspiration to take up the challenge.

Have you ever noticed??

2009-06-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed how tow trucks arrive at an accident place FASTER than the ambulance?

Randomness..

Here's a poster I just made:

Besides from biting myself:

of which I have to come up with a forensic report later.

And.. here's my impression of my teeth taken illegally with Su Anne (with edentulous stock trays and impression materials sponsored by my late aunt's bro-in-law). Almost got caught red handed!

Why so serious?

2009-06-08T00:25:00.000-07:00

I just am

Rainbow Fun Flossing

2009-06-04T04:56:00.000-07:00

Though I am not a kid, I want one! This is what I call innovative!

Read link: http://priory.com/den/floss.htm

I need my MDA ID so that I can access journals!!! MDA!!!! Quick Quick so I can complete my full manuscript for the Scientific Research Competition. Right now, Wileys is making me annoyed.

The Pharisee and the Publikan

2009-06-03T07:11:00.000-07:00

I will be conducting Sunday School for the month of June! I am so excited! I just completed my Sunday School lesson plan and the planning for the bible quiz that will be held at the end of my 4 lessons after church service. I am so excited!

Sunday School Plan (7 June 2009)• Praise: Sing two songs & Prayer (10 a.m. – 10.08a.m.)

• Intro topic: The Pharisee and the “Publikan” Luke 18:9-14 (10.08 a.m.-10.15a.m.)
-When someone does notice it, first pretend not to see what they're talking about.
-Next argue that it is the correct spelling; have someone look it up in a dictionary (read out the meaning as well).
-After discovering that it is spelled wrong, then tell them that' s just the way you want to spell it. Let them argue their point.
-Next agree that it is spelled wrong, but just cover it up with a piece of paper or your hand.
-Finally ask them what they would have you do about it. Hopefully they'll say, "Erase it and write it correctly!"
-Explain that these are the same ways people treat sin in their lives:
* First - we pretend we don't see it.
* Second - we argue that it's right.
* Third - we decide we don't care what the rules say; we're going to do it our way anyway.
* Fourth - we agree it's wrong, but just try to cover it up.
God, however, wants to erase our mistakes for us. First we must see that sin is wrong, agree with God that it's wrong, turn away from it to make it right, and ask God to forgive us or erase it.
1John 1:9 declares: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

• Read passage and answer questions together. Questions sheet will be the notes for the bible quiz (10.15-10.40a.m.)
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about[a] himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

• Memory verse: Luke 18: 14b” …. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (10.40-10.50am)
"Memory Match": write each word of the verse on separate index cards. Turn them face down and have students turn cards over one at a time trying to turn the words over in the correct order until they can do the whole verse. Ex: If a student turns over the first three words in the correct order, but then not the fourth, play goes to the next student. All cards are turned face down again before each turn.

• Object lesson (10.50 a.m. -10.57am): Requires 1 balloon
What can you do with a deflated balloon? Gives 30 sec for the kids to think.
Deflated balloon is flexible. You can do anything with it. Stretch it, wrap around things, put it inside other things, and pull it over smaller things. Blow balloon up. No longer flexible. Puffed up and can only be one shape and used for certain things.
Message: A puffed up person if not as useful to God as a flexible humble person. Humility makes us useable and moldable in God’s work.

• Craft (10.57 am till adults class over) – Draw pictures of things that God has made or done that we cannot do
• Pair up and pray for one another and thank God for each thing he has created that you have drawn

Paranoia

2009-06-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

A cat runs away from me. "I think it hates me".
I said hi to her but she didn't reply me. "I think she doesn't like me"
He asked her to help him instead of me. "What's wrong with me?"

Sometimes I can be so paranoid that I make myself depresssed.

Depressed over nothing?
Or really, could my six sense be of some worth?
Maybe, I am right and my depression is justified.
But I hope not.
As that would be just plain..
DEPRESSING

The blogger is back!

2009-06-01T04:45:00.001-07:00

Or maybe not?
We shall see...

So, what have I been up to? Summary for those who are interested:

1. The Cantella Singers,2 hours choir performance "Be Our Guest" with Jenna
- I love the accapella performances(Only 2 songs though)! Great harmonizing. It reminds me of those great worships I had experienced in Singapore and during Malaysian-Singaporean-Thailand COC youth camps (Ipoh and Klang's singing rocks too!)!!

2. Shopping with sister Ning
Fun! I love shopping with my younger sister as she has absolute great taste and such a shopoholic! Bought 2 belts and a blouse and some wrapping paper to make thank you cards. I was looking around for wooden boxes to do some painting and decopage but couldn't find anything.. Anyone in AUSTRALIA... CAN you get me some boxes please???

3.BAD hair CUT!!!
I am now officially on "HAIR BANDS". A church member suggested for me to get a fringe but the hair-stylist... did not do a good job at it. It looks as if I had a bowl on my head and trimmed according to that bowl. *Sad*

4. Forensic dentistry
I selected bite marks for my selectives.. and though it is very "technical" but it is still interesting! What's more, I will be able to meet the only FORENSIC DENTIST in Malaysia! I hope he would tell interesting murder cases! Also, I hope there would be a hands on activity like coming up with an abuse case and finding out the "criminal".

I did so many other things as well.. But my fingers have gone weary and its time for me to stop. I am sure your eyes wants some rest too. So toodles!

"education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel."

2009-04-24T04:48:00.000-07:00

Quote by Socrates (introduced to me by Jason).

Just thought of putting a short post to say:

Treasure your education! Stop skipping classes for goodness sake! And never stop to learn!

I am so inspired to work even harder!

Maxis & Me

2009-04-24T04:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't really spilled the news to many people yet but I think today is a good day to do it.

By God's amazing grace, I was awarded with the MAXIS Undergraduate SCHOLARSHIP!

Today, can easily be one of the HAPPIEST Days of my life (EVEN better than receiving good gradeS)!! Seriously. I am really, REALLY thankful to MAXIS! I have learnt many things from step 1 to the end (interviews with Tan Sri Prof Emeritus Khoo Kay Kim, MAXIS BOD and staff). Though stressful but amazing experience!

Also, the photo shoot LAST TUESDAY WAS GREAT!!! Though it was super long from 2pm-8pm and I had to skip lectures, but it was good bonding time with the other scholars and all!

I haven;t signed the contract yet with Maxis (currently, abit worried that the terms might not be right when they do pass the contract to me), but even if I don't take up the scholarship, the experience is something I would treasure in my life.

Oh yeah, look at my side bar.. I am now proud to say I am, MAXIS-PHILLIC!

Thank you all for praying for me throughout this journey, thank you Chee Hoe for suggesting to use post-paid Maxis, Thank you mom and dad for supporting me, Thank you Prof Toh for attending the ceremony!, Thank you MAXIS! AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THANK YOU LORD!

PS. We were allowed to bring back our life size poster! WAY COOL!

Ancient Dental Chair

2009-04-19T03:42:00.000-07:00

Behold, a 1920's dental chair (I think), at my very own doorstep!
My inheritance given by my aunt, owned by the late MR Loi Chang Tong, a dental technician at Jalan Pudu.
It might be at IMU's future dental clinic as a display piece for all students to treasure and gape.
: )

Awakening

2009-04-16T03:33:00.000-07:00

I truly enjoyed today's "Appreaciation Day" though I am so SORRY that I did miss out some people (which is bound to happen as there are inadequate number of gifts). Anyway, I am going to make amends tomorrow with Yoke San. : )

I was looking forward all week for the "DENTAL CARIES RISK ASSESSMENT" today but I was severely DISSAPOINTED! I only managed to educate 6 people when I spent all weekend reading the "Essential Caries Book" from page 1 to the last page! So nOT FUN!

But I was glad someone asked me whether they could re-check their viscosity of their resting saliva with the accumulated stimulated saliva.

COZ
The answer is NO!

WHY? Viscosity of resting saliva and stimulated saliva DIFFERS! The parotid gland which secretes clear saliva only contributes 20% of the stimulated saliva whereas it contributes up to 50% of resting saliva!

Interesting eh!

On Wed, I watched a movie entitled, "AWAKENING" starring Robbie Williams as DR Sayer, a researcher at heart. He noticed a similarity between some patients' symptoms and he found out that they all had suffered from enchephalitis before. He then, tested a drug used to cure parkinson disease. It was a miricle drug as some of the patients managed to "WAKE UP". Though the cure was just temporary, THAT BRIEF period of awakening really meant alot to the patients and the people around them. It brought realization of how life should not be taken for granted.

I wonder, in my life time whether I will bring periods of awakening to people around me? From something drastic like finding a vaccine to eliminate dental caries to maybe, something small like, just making future dental surgeons?

I really want to bring meaning to people's lifes, to enrich it!

Maybe, that is why I truly enjoyed organizing Oral Health Awareness Week. Jin Lin, please do not nominate me as any post for the new Dental Club. I really do not want to be bugged down with worries and structure and committee etc. I like letting my mind flow free, to think of NEW ideas!

Thanks!

Near Accidents

2009-04-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

First, it comes in a whisper. Then, it comes with a tap. Next, a SHAKE. Finally, a WHACK!

For the past few weeks, I have gotten pretty aggressive on the road (*blush*). I cut lanes, I did all the things I promised NOT to do when I got my driving license.

Why the AGGRESSIVE behaviour you may ask? Well, seriously, I myself cannot justify my actions. Excuses such as: Rushing, Tired, Impatient are just plain excuses.

At the end of the day, it boils down to :TIME.

I just realized that TIME is as bad as MONEY. It really brings out the bad side of a person.

Hence, despite the lack of it, I want to treat TIME as how I treat MONEY. To be generous with it. To give it to the people I LOVE.

I shan't rush anymore. 5 MINUTES later is better than a person in a grave.

Bloopers

2009-04-02T06:19:00.000-07:00

I have overlooked so many details in the planning of oral health week that I am severely dissapointed with myself.

Haiz!

Anything and everything should be well thought off and not rushed! "Dental cards" and Invitation cards should have been triple checked before sending to the printers.

I just hope the event will turn out ok!

But at the moment, I am just so impressed with the dental batch, the work they come up with, pure amazing and I am not exaggarating!

Earth Hour

2009-03-29T05:31:00.000-07:00

Situation 1: Idea of conserving energy?
Girl switches off the lights but switches on the air cond.

Situation 2: Going back to medieval times?
Girl lits up candles and had to switch off the fan to keep the candles litted and studies.

Those were my arguments with my younger sister when she insisted on switching off the lights. I am normally earth-friendly but yesterday, I just wanted to pick a fight with her. At the end, she helped me realized that it isn't about saving energy for that hour but more of grabbing the world's attention of how sick mother earth is.

In the same way, for the Oral Health Awareness Week, I am sure many would just pass by without participating but I think at the end of the day, all we want to say is: we care for your oral health and so should you too!

Back to Earth Hour... my sister really encouraged me that night. She sat at the window in the dark just talking to God. I didn't had the heart to continue studying though I wanted to so I Joined her and had a great time of praise and prayer.

:D

I love Ning