As I reflect on my academic journey from completing my Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree in India to graduating with a Master of Science (MS) degree in Oral medicine in Taiwan, I am reminded of the serendipitous nature of life's twists and turns. This path was filled with international exposure, research exploration, and cultural immersion.
Upon completing my bachelor's degree in dentistry in 2019, I was eager to delve deeper into the field and expand my horizons. My initial intention was to pursue a Master of Dental Surgery degree in the specialty of Orthodontics in India and continue my journey in clinical practice. However, fate had a different plan in store for me.
As the world grappled with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I found myself stranded in Taiwan, unable to return to India as planned. What was initially meant to be a short holiday trip was unexpectedly extended due to travel restrictions and safety concerns. Amid uncertainty and unexpected circumstances, I applied to multiple medical universities across Taiwan, each offering unique programs in dentistry. I was fortunate to be selected in most of them with a scholarship.
Ultimately, I chose to pursue my master's degree at the Institute of Oral Medicine at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), drawn to its renowned reputation, distinguished faculty, and exceptional research expertise in oral medicine. Dr. Yung-Chung Chen, D.D.S, M.D.Sc, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chief of Prosthodontics selected me to work on a dental aerosol project in his laboratory and was my academic advisor during my two years of master's study.
Initially, I must admit I had my doubts and reservations. It was an unconventional choice, significantly different from the path I had initially envisioned for myself. Moreover, being in an unfamiliar environment, far from home and the comfort of the familiar, added another layer of apprehension to my decision-making process.
Despite the hesitation and doubts, I decided to seize the opportunity and embark on this unanticipated journey. The decision to pursue a non-clinical program was a departure from my previous academic pursuits in dentistry. Instead of focusing on clinical practice, the program offered me the chance to delve into the realm of research, exploring innovative strategies for mitigating dental aerosols.
Working alongside experts in dentistry, occupational and environmental health, mechanical engineering, industrial design, and aeronautics, I gained valuable insights into the complexities of dental aerosol mitigation strategies. Through rigorous research and experimentation, we explored novel approaches to minimize the spread of aerosols in dental settings, contributing to safe oral healthcare practices on a global scale.
I participated in an industrial visit to the Southern Taiwan Science Park in Tainan which provided me with valuable insights into the latest advancements shaping the field of dentistry. I had the opportunity to host international conferences, work in a multicultural team for a group project, speak as a guest at seminars, lead Tamil language exchange sessions, present posters at conferences, and win awards for my thesis.
I served as the key person in an extracurricular research project in the NCKU SPARK Taiwan program, a collaborative initiative with Stanford University. These experiences reaffirmed my passion for academic research and facilitated global networking. Overall, these diverse opportunities enriched my academic journey and personal growth, shaping me into a well-rounded dental professional.
Studying in Taiwan has broadened my perspective on dentistry, revealing the vast array of career opportunities beyond clinical practice. I discovered a world of academic research, clinical research, scientific writing, and more. This journey has shown me that dentistry is not limited to the confines of clinical settings but encompasses a diverse range of avenues for professional growth and contribution to the field.
Beyond the realm of academia, I embraced the opportunity to learn the Chinese language at the language center at the university. Traveling to various destinations across the island, I immersed myself in the vibrant local culture, and delicious cuisine, and marveled at breathtaking landscapes, bustling night markets, and serene temples. Each destination offered a unique glimpse into Taiwan's diverse heritage and traditions.
Moreover, the international exposure afforded by studying in Taiwan has broadened my perspectives and nurtured a global mindset. Interacting with peers and faculty from diverse backgrounds, I gained a deeper understanding of cultural nuances and global perspectives. I have developed meaningful connections and friendships that transcend borders.
To new dental graduates aspiring to pursue a career path like mine after completing their bachelor's degree, my message is one of encouragement, exploration, and open-mindedness. The first step is to research different dental schools in Taiwan and the non-clinical research-oriented courses they offer for international students in English. Know about the faculty members and their research interests, as this will guide your choice of lab for the master's research project. Each course has various research streams to choose from, such as oral biology, oral cancer, dental materials, oral health industry, dental biomechanics, clinical research, medical devices, etc. Some schools also offer public health programs for international healthcare graduates.
Each university's official website has comprehensive department pages with all relevant information readily available. Each university and department has an admissions email for any queries you may have. You can apply to multiple schools through their designated online application portals. For applying to master's programs in Taiwan, you'll typically need your bachelor's degree certificate, transcript, curriculum vitae, statement of purpose, proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), 2 or 3 recommendation letters from academic or professional referees, and supporting documents of academic achievements.
Admission processes usually start early in the year, around January, and close by March or April. You can expect admission results within a month or two. Upon acceptance, classes usually begin on-site in September. Scholarships for international students, including those from individual universities and the Taiwan government, are available. With thorough research and determination, you'll find the right fit for your academic and career aspirations in Taiwan's vibrant education landscape.
As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the unforeseen opportunities and experiences that have shaped my path. What began as an accidental choice amidst uncertain times has blossomed into a transformative journey of learning, and discovery. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, expanded my horizons, and broadened my perspective on the possibilities within the field of dentistry.
I believe in the saying, 'Your career journey is uniquely yours, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success.' I am grateful for having taken the leap of faith and embraced the unconventional. It has opened doors to opportunities for growth, and personal fulfillment that I would not have encountered otherwise. As I continue on this journey, I am excited to see where the path less traveled will lead me next.
(Opinion Article/Dr. Nirainila Joseph)