“Every dentist and dental assistant
Share a common vision:
providing excellent care to our patients.“
In this edition of MedPark Stories, we ascend to the 14th floor to delve into the home of digital dentistry with Dr. Ae, also known as Dr. Nalina Narongchaikul, DDSprosthetic. Join us as we explore her life’s fascinating journey as a prosthodontist, a master dental prosthodontist who makes the complex art of dental crown procedures look effortless, not only through tools and technology but also through her proven expertise through countless dental patient cares.
Dentistry is a hygiene job
Going back in time before she became Dr. Nalina, DDS, she had shown that she can be a doctor since childhood. However, she had no clear idea of which medical field to pursue until her teenage years, around the ages of 15-16, when she discovered that creating beautiful, confidence-boosting smiles for patients was the “right” path for her.
“I have a deep appreciation for aesthetics and cleanliness. When I had the opportunity to perform a teeth straightening procedure and observed the dental equipment and the workplace, I was really impressed. This profession revolves around maintaining impeccable standards of hygiene. Witnessing the new confidence a patient has after a successful dental operation has brought to the oral cavity, I find this job perfect because it allows me to indulge in my passion for precision and craftsmanship.”
Dr. Ae has a unique hobby – playing video games. This interest influenced her journey to specialize in digital dentistry after graduating from Chulalongkorn University School of Dentistry.
“I have a passion for gaming. If given the chance, I could play for hours. My love for gaming dates back to the PlayStation 1 console, continuing with the PlayStation 5. I have an affinity for virtual reality and virtual activities. Partly because I have siblings who are avid gamers. I naturally joined a gaming mother as a child. Instead.”
The journey of Dr. Ae in dentistry combines her love of craftsmanship, dedication to hygiene and a unique affinity for the digital world, making her a remarkable prosthodontist.
Excel in manual work and restoration
Her journey to dental school was challenging. After classes, she had to do lab work, one of the most grueling aspects of her education.
He vividly remembers the rigors of dental lab work, where he had to painstakingly arrange teeth, apply wax and switch from it to plastic. The process also involved the use of cement and a lighter, which looks like a complicated craft, with mechanized steps to ensure a beautiful false tooth is formed. Dr. Ae emphasizes the importance of understanding the artistic and scientific aspects of dentistry.
Today, dental laboratories provide essential support to dental services, alleviating the need for dentists to perform every aspect of the work themselves. Many dental students choose residencies that do not include this type of work.
“I often advise junior colleagues that even if we do not use everything we have learned in our profession, it is important to know all the intricacies. We should not avoid tasks that we find unpleasant. Engaging in laboratory work, for example, instills patience in us. communicate the desired results to a laboratory technician.”
Digital dentistry and one-day crown
The expertise of Dr. Ae is in prosthetics, specializing in dental prostheses such as dentures and dental implants to replace missing natural teeth. He is an advocate of digital dentistry, which has advanced significantly in recent times. Her clinic uses state-of-the-art technology, including digital scanning and CAD/CAM, to enable dentists and patients to visualize procedures, design dental crowns and speed up treatment processes.
“I have been passionate about digital dentistry for some time. I actively searched for dental clinics or hospitals that could invest in the multi-million Baht machine, which eventually led me to join MedPark, which has a Sirona digital dental unit equipped with the CEREC system. The crown was ready now, we digitally scan the tooth after grinding. The machine creates a model in just one minute.
Beyond efficiency, the Sirona unit enhances precision in collaborative treatment planning with surgeons, particularly for precise placement of dental implants, which minimizes implant-related complications. Digital dentistry plays a key role in streamlining the entire treatment process.
From the point of view of Dr. Ae, the Dental Center at MedPark embodies her ideal workplace. He appreciates the organizational culture and appreciates the hospital’s commitment to providing top-notch dental services. The presence of state-of-the-art dental chairs, an in-house laboratory and digital equipment for same-day crown procedures is in line with its vision of facilitating dental tourism. Dr. Ae is truly satisfied with her work environment, where every dentist and dental assistant shares a common vision: to provide excellent care to their patients.
Turning fear into trust
“Fear” is why people avoid dentists.
The main reason people avoid visiting the dentist is fear, often stemming from concerns about tooth pain and sensitivity. However, it is important to recognize that dental procedures have come a long way and are no longer as scary as they once were. While there may be some discomfort during the administration of dental anesthesia, it is a necessary component of dental care. Dentists are well aware of these fears and try to make the experience as comfortable as possible for their patients.
Dentists and dental anesthesia are inseparable. it is natural for patients to have concerns. However, trust is essential to overcome this fear. Patients have a right to be afraid. Therefore, the dentist has a responsibility to build trust over time. As patients gain more confidence in their chosen dentists, their fears will gradually diminish. Dentists work diligently to ensure patient comfort and well-being, with the goal of not causing unnecessary pain. This bond between dentist and patient is like that of a soul mate. Once a strong connection is established, patients are reluctant to seek dental care elsewhere.
Dr. Ae recounts a harrowing experience, a patient who is completely afraid of going to the dentist.
“A patient, about 40 years old, sought treatment because of extensive tooth decay and caries, causing a lack of self-confidence that prevented him from smiling or facing others. One particular day, with the support of a loved one, the patient gathered the courage to visit us. They clung to each other for encouragement. crying. We will get through this together and I promise you not frighten.” We progressed step by step, a journey that lasted about 1-2 years in total, which included the insertion of some dental implants.”
“Slowly, the patient became comfortable with the dental procedures, his confidence shone as bright as the sun, and there were no more tears. Eventually, both the patient and their loved one decided to tie the knot. The patient’s partner expressed his gratitude with a heartfelt note, saying that I had been with them from their date to their wedding. remarkable that this patient continues to see me for annual dental checkups and has not sought treatment elsewhere.”
At MedPark, fear of dental procedures need not be a barrier to seeking care. The facility offers access to anesthesiologists, always available for dental anesthesia whenever necessary. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, large and small operating theaters and a comprehensive range of equipment, the Dental Center at MedPark Hospital welcomes patients with open arms, regardless of whether they have dental fears. Consultation with anesthesiologists is encouraged. Since no underlying health condition precludes dental anesthesia, patients can proceed with confidence knowing that their comfort and well-being are top priorities.
