In this DocsCopy interview conducted by Dr. Nirainila Joseph from MedBound Times, we continue our exploration of Dr. Jency Evanjelin P's professional journey. Dr. Jency, who completed her BDS at Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Puducherry, India is currently pursuing her MDS in Oral Medicine, Radiology, and Special Care Dentistry at Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, India along with an integrated PhD. In the first part, she discussed the scope and impact of non-clinical postgraduate streams in dentistry, covering essential skills and their significant contribution to oral healthcare.
In this second part of our interview with Dr. Jency Evanjelin P, we discuss her postgraduate journey and her specialization in Oral Medicine, Radiology, and Special Care Dentistry. Dr. Jency shares her experiences from her master's program highlighting the blend of clinical and research roles that define her specialty. She discusses the crucial role of oral medicine specialists in treating a range of oral conditions, their collaboration with other medical specialists, and their role in diagnosing other systemic diseases. She also highlights the importance of patient education and regular dental check-ups, illustrating how oral medicine specialists play a vital role in comprehensive patient care.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Did you have the chance to participate in research projects, academic conferences, or other extracurricular activities during your postgraduate program?
Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: Yes, during my postgraduate program, I actively participated in various research projects, academic conferences, and other extracurricular activities. I have presented over 25 posters and papers, conducted 15 short studies, and published 7 research articles with more in progress. Additionally, I had the opportunity to participate in a student exchange program at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and attended more than 10 national and several international conferences. These experiences have enriched my academic journey and provided valuable insights into different aspects of dentistry and research.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: That's impressive! Could you tell us more about your experience during the student exchange program at Khon Kaen University, Thailand? What were some key takeaways from that program and how did it impact your academic and professional growth?
Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: During the 2-week student exchange program at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, I gained insights into different approaches to patient care and acquired knowledge in areas such as geriatric dentistry, orofacial pain, oral medicine, and radiology. This international exposure added significant value to my academic and professional development, broadening my perspective and enhancing my skills in various specialized areas of dentistry.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: That sounds like a well-rounded and impactful experience. As someone passionate about both clinical and academic aspects of oral medicine, what research opportunities do you see for specialists in your field?
Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: Oral medicine specialists have a wide array of research opportunities that contribute significantly to the development of treatment guidelines, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic approaches for oral diseases. One crucial aspect involves establishing evidence-based treatment guidelines for various oral conditions, which enhances clinical practice and standardizes care protocols. Diagnostic advancements are pivotal, with emerging technologies such as liquid biopsy and artificial intelligence (AI) playing integral roles in improving accuracy and efficiency in disease detection. Innovations in therapeutics also abound, including developments in nanomedicine, herbal formulations, and targeted drug delivery systems. These advancements aim to enhance treatment efficacy, minimize side effects, and personalize care for patients with oral diseases. By leveraging these research opportunities, oral medicine specialists contribute directly to refining treatment protocols, enhancing diagnostic precision, and advancing therapeutic strategies, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life for patients.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Given the recent advancements in oral medicine research, could you elaborate on how emerging technologies are influencing diagnostic processes and therapeutic approaches in the field?
Dr. Jency Evanjelin P:
Nanomedicine: Utilizing nanotechnology to develop targeted drug delivery systems for oral diseases, enhancing treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects.
Targeted Drug Delivery: Innovations in delivering medications directly to affected oral tissues, improving precision and reducing systemic exposure.
AI-Aided Diagnostics: Integration of artificial intelligence in oral diagnostics, enabling faster and more accurate detection of oral conditions and diseases.
Herbal Formulations: Research into herbal remedies and formulations for managing oral health issues, exploring natural alternatives with potential therapeutic benefits.
These advancements in oral medicine are transforming how oral diseases are diagnosed, treated, and managed, promising more effective and personalized care for patients in the future.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Having spoken extensively about the research side of oral medicine, could you now outline the primary responsibilities and duties of an oral medicine specialist in clinical practice?
Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: In clinical practice, oral medicine specialists primarily focus on diagnosing and managing complex oral diseases and conditions, developing tailored treatment plans, performing diagnostic procedures like biopsies, educating patients on oral health, collaborating with healthcare professionals, conducting research, and continuously advancing their knowledge through education and training.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: What are some common oral health issues that oral medicine specialists encounter in clinical practice?
Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: Oral medicine specialists encounter a variety of common oral health issues, including both hard tissue and soft tissue conditions:
Hard Tissue Issues: These may include odontogenic (tooth-related) and non-odontogenic conditions such as:
Cysts: Periapical cysts associated with tooth roots.
Tumors: Both benign and malignant growths that affect the jawbones or teeth.
Infections: Chronic osteomyelitis affecting the jawbone
Soft Tissue Issues: These encompass disorders of the oral mucosa, lymph nodes, and salivary glands:
Oral Mucosa Disorders: Oral lichen planus, leukoplakia, etc.
Lymph Node Disorders: Enlargement or inflammation of lymph nodes due to infections or systemic diseases.
Salivary Gland Disorders: Sjögren's syndrome affecting salivary gland function.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Does the expertise of oral medicine specialists extend beyond oral health? How do they contribute to the diagnosis and management of systemic diseases with oral manifestations?
Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: Beyond oral health, oral medicine specialists play a crucial role in overall health and well-being by recognizing how systemic diseases manifest in the oral cavity. They often serve as early detectors of many systemic conditions.
Oral medicine specialists contribute to healthcare by early detecting and diagnosing systemic diseases through oral manifestations, managing chronic orofacial pain conditions, and addressing serious oral issues like cancer or autoimmune diseases. They utilize diagnostic tools such as biopsies and imaging, collaborate with other specialists for comprehensive care, and develop personalized treatment plans to improve patient outcomes and overall well-being. Their role ensures integrated healthcare management, emphasizing early intervention and patient education for effective treatment and ongoing support.
By integrating oral health into holistic patient care, oral medicine specialists contribute to early diagnosis, comprehensive management, and improved outcomes for patients. Regular dental check-ups are essential not only for maintaining oral health but also for monitoring these broader health indicators that may manifest in the mouth.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: What other kinds of specialists do oral medicine specialists collaborate with, and how does this collaboration enhance patient care?
Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: Oral medicine specialists collaborate with dental specialists like oral surgeons and periodontists, as well as medical professionals such as oncologists and rheumatologists, to coordinate care for complex oral conditions and systemic diseases. They work in multidisciplinary teams, share diagnostic insights, and develop integrated treatment plans to ensure comprehensive patient care. This collaboration enhances treatment outcomes and supports patients through holistic health management approaches.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Considering the collaborative efforts you’ve mentioned, how do you build rapport with patients and educate them about the importance of oral health?
Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: To educate patients effectively about the importance of oral health, I employ several strategies:
Clear Communication: I use simple language to explain the connection between oral health and overall well-being, emphasizing how oral health impacts systemic health.
Visual Aids: I use visual aids such as diagrams, models, or videos to demonstrate proper oral hygiene techniques, the effects of dental diseases, and treatment options.
Personalized Advice: I tailor advice based on each patient's specific oral health needs, discussing preventive measures, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle changes.
Interactive Discussions: I encourage questions and engage patients in discussions about their oral health concerns, addressing misconceptions and promoting proactive dental care.
Follow-Up: I emphasize the importance of regular dental check-ups and follow-up appointments, reinforcing ongoing oral health maintenance and monitoring.
These strategies aim to empower patients with knowledge, encourage positive oral health habits, and motivate them to prioritize their dental care for long-term health benefits.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Thank you for joining us in this enlightening discussion Dr. Jency. As an expert in oral diagnostics, you have provided invaluable insights into the field of oral medicine. As a final note, could you share your recommendations on how often individuals should have dental check-ups and what they can expect during a routine oral health examination?
Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: Individuals should typically have dental check-ups every six months, although this can vary based on personal oral health needs and the recommendations of their dentist. During a routine oral health examination, they can expect:
Evaluation of Oral Health: Assessment of teeth, gums, and overall oral tissues for signs of decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
X-rays: Periodic X-rays to detect hidden dental issues like cavities between teeth or problems below the gum line.
Discussion and Advice: Discussion with the dentist about oral hygiene practices, diet, and lifestyle habits that affect dental health.
Treatment Planning: Development of a personalized treatment plan if any issues are identified, such as fillings for cavities or recommendations for preventive care.
Professional Cleaning: Removal of plaque and tartar buildup through scaling and polishing to prevent cavities and gum disease.
These routine visits help maintain good oral health, prevent dental problems, and ensure early detection and treatment of any issues that may arise.
MedBound Times expresses sincere gratitude to Dr. Jency Evanjelin P for sharing her valuable insights on our platform.