Dentists must keep up with innovation for the best patient smiles.
“At MedPark Dental Center, we bring together a team of experts from various dental subspecialties to address all patient concerns and meet their oral health needs.”
MedPark Stories had the privilege of speaking with many MedPark dentists. But today’s discussion is particularly special. We sat together Dr. Sonthi SerimaiDDS, prosthodontist and head of the Dental Center at MedPark Hospitalwhich houses a state-of-the-art digital dental laboratory, which enables the superior fabrication of prosthetics, including ceramic restorations, crowns and veneers. Join us as we explore the professional journey of Dr. Sonthi.
Dentistry: A Medical Career with Work-Life Balance
Dr. Sonthi initially chose to pursue a career in medicine, following in the footsteps of many family members. However, along the way, he sought a path that more closely aligned with his interests. Dentistry soon appeared as an attractive option.
“Medicine is a high-pressure field. I wanted to find a specialty where I wasn’t constantly dealing with life-or-death situations. Dentistry offers a more balanced environment in that regard. At the same time, I’ve always appreciated the arts. My natural craft skills make prosthetics a perfect fit.”
After completing his studies and becoming a full-time dentist as he had aspired to be, Dr. Sonthi knew he had chosen the right path that aligned with his interests and talents. He started a Facebook page called So Pros where he shares ideas, new trends and notable developments in dentistry. The page also serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas between fellow dentists with a keen interest.
Dental Implants: More Than Restoring Function – Focus on Aesthetics and Patient Confidence
“While studying in the US, I worked hard to develop my techniques and began to explore dental implants in depth. I realized that function and aesthetics are closely related, as aesthetics play a role in everyday life.”
In the early days of dental implantology, the focus was primarily on restoring function rather than appearance. But Dr. Sonthi was the first among pioneering dentists to refine techniques to boost confidence and restore the beauty of a natural smile. Over the past 25 years, he has shared his expertise at many academic conferences.
“As time goes on, technology and techniques continue to evolve. We must adapt accordingly and carefully select the most advanced and effective dental tools and materials to meet the specific needs of patients at any given time.”
Thanks to his commitment to remain at the forefront of dental innovation, Dr. Sonthi was invited as a guest speaker at the launch event for the introduction of dental implants in Thailand, organized by prominent dental implant companies such as Straumann, Astra Tech and Nobel Biocare.
“At that time, the world was entering the digital age, I knew it was necessary to take action. Being behind global trends and technological developments could have wide implications for the country. So I gathered some colleagues, three or four of us, and founded the Digital Dentistry Association of Thailand.”
Digital dentistry is the foundation of the Dental Center at MedPark Hospital.
From the dental technician to the head of the Dental Center
“Invited to help establish the Dental Center at MedPark, I was immediately drawn to the idea of a physician-led model – designed by physicians with a patient-centered philosophy at its core. I saw this as the perfect opportunity to pioneer a digital dentistry-based practice from the ground up.”
Dr. Sonthi chose a leading digital dentistry company that offers advanced hardware, proprietary software, and complete digital solutions. This end-to-end compatibility ensures a seamless adoption of the technology in the hospital. It also enables efficient troubleshooting, system upgrades and software updates, allowing each component to communicate throughout the workflow, ultimately enhancing treatment outcomes.
“The dental technology company played an active role in helping us design the layout of the Dental Center. Their technical team came on site to assess the area, providing guidance on optimal space allocation. For example, they ensured that all installed X-ray equipment had reinforced walls for radiation shielding. They also adapted each room to the specific dental needs, depending on the selected dental needs various dentists”.
A concern to which Dr. Sonthi is fear of pain or dental panic. To alleviate this, he designed a special dental operating room, equipped with a special dental chair, allowing seamless collaboration between the dentist and an anesthesiologist. This design allows the anesthesiologist to discreetly administer sedation during procedures, ensuring that patients can be treated without fear or discomfort while complying with international safety standards.
“We also meticulously planned patient flow from the dental surgery suite to the inpatient wards and intensive care unit to ensure seamless transfer if necessary. We plan every scenario in detail, ensuring patients are confident their dental procedures will be comfortable, effective and safe.”
In addition, we implement many other design elements prioritizing patient well-being, such as positive and negative air pressure ventilation systems adapted to different clinical needs.
Profession-Cum-Hobby: Dentistry as a favorite activity
Due to his lifelong passion for the arts, while establishing the digital dental laboratory, he incorporated his love and skill for craftsmanship into his profession and trade. Designing dental crowns and painstakingly perfecting prosthetic components to restore the function and aesthetics of a patient’s smile became a deeply fulfilling endeavor and pleasure.
“In my spare time, I enjoy activities that are a bit more extreme, like snowboarding, diving or windsurfing. When I’m in town, I go to the boxing gym twice a week. Now that my child is older, we’ve started doing more activities together. We gravitate towards sports that keep us active and energized.”
In addition, Dr. Sonthi engages in a sport that is in stark contrast to his usual activities – sailing. He shared that it offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from social media, be alone with his thoughts and quietly dive into the rhythm of the wind and waves. For him, sailing is a form of relaxation that nourishes body and mind.
When asked for parting advice about dental care, his first answer was simple but crucial—oral hygiene. The oral cavity is unique to each person and requires a customized approach to cleaning. Getting proper guidance from a dentist—understanding the characteristics of teeth and adjusting cleaning techniques accordingly—can greatly reduce the risk of oral disease.
“If treatment is necessary, it should be holistic, including prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up. A team of experienced dental professionals, supported by advanced tools and technology and provided with a comprehensive patient-centered mindset, should provide care together.”
Because the mouth is essential to overall health, daily functioning, and self-confidence, it deserves the same level of care and attention as any other aspect of wellness.
