Conversation with Dr. Jency Evanjelin P on The World of Non-Clinical Dental Specialties (Part I)

Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: Hello, I'm Dr. Jency Evanjelin P. Currently, I am in the final year of my master's degree in Oral Medicine, Radiology, and Special Care Dentistry at Saveetha Dental College. Alongside my master's, I am also pursuing an integrated PhD. My research focuses on Novel Management Approaches for Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders.

My passion for the medical field led me to specialize in dentistry. In addition to my academic pursuits, I enjoy multitasking and have diverse interests including dancing, singing, and managing an Instagram page called dento jen. This page focuses on my personal growth and shares interesting dental facts. I'm excited to be interviewed by MedBound Times and hope to provide you with valuable insights.

Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: My motivation to pursue post-graduate studies in a non-clinical stream after completing my BDS is rooted in my deep interest in academics and my aspiration to become a skilled diagnostician. Throughout my dental studies, I found immense satisfaction in understanding the underlying mechanisms of diseases and conditions. This academic curiosity drove me to delve deeper into diagnostic processes, research methodologies, and evidence-based practices. By furthering my education in a non-clinical field, I aim to enhance my diagnostic skills and contribute to the academic community through research and teaching. This path allows me to combine my passion for academics with a commitment to improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in dentistry.

Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: In India, there are three pre-clinical streams:

• Oral Medicine

• Oral Pathology

• Public Health Dentistry

I chose to pursue a post-graduate degree in Oral Medicine because it aligns with my interests in academics and diagnostics. This specialty focuses on diagnosing complex oral and systemic conditions, allowing me to use my clinical knowledge to identify diseases. It combines clinical expertise with research and teaching opportunities, enabling me to contribute to the academic community and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

Specializing in Oral Medicine allows me to significantly impact patient outcomes through accurate diagnoses and effective management plans. Additionally, it opens doors to various career paths, including academic, research, and leadership roles. This path allows me to blend my love for academics with practical diagnostic skills, making a meaningful impact in dentistry.

Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: Clinical streams emphasize direct patient care, procedural skills, and clinical rotations, with a curriculum heavy in practical and hands-on training. Whereas, non-clinical streams focus on research, public health, education, and administration, with a curriculum centered on theoretical knowledge, research skills, and interdisciplinary learning. Both streams aim to advance the field of dentistry, but they cater to different career paths and skill sets. Clinical streams prepare dentists for direct patient care, while non-clinical streams equip professionals for roles in research, education, public health, and healthcare management.

Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: Non-clinical specialties in dentistry significantly enhance patient care by focusing on research, public health, education, and healthcare management.

• Researchers innovate by discovering new treatments and preventive strategies, improving clinical practices and patient outcomes.

• Public health specialists implement community programs, educate on oral hygiene, and advocate for policies that expand access to dental care.

• Educators shape future clinicians by updating curricula and employing effective teaching methods, ensuring dental professionals are well-prepared.

• Healthcare managers optimize practice operations, ensuring efficient resource use and streamlined patient care.

Together, these roles collaborate to advance both oral health and overall well-being through interdisciplinary approaches that address diverse patient needs comprehensively.

Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: Non-clinical specialties in dentistry contribute to public health initiatives by designing and implementing programs that promote oral hygiene and disease prevention. They advocate for evidence-based policies that improve access to dental care and address oral health disparities. Through research and analysis, they provide insights that influence healthcare policies, aiming to enhance overall oral healthcare delivery and outcomes on a population level. Their interdisciplinary approach fosters collaboration with healthcare stakeholders to create comprehensive strategies for better oral health across communities.

Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: Non-clinical specialties in dentistry often face misconceptions such as not directly impacting patient care, offering limited career opportunities, and being less prestigious than clinical practice. However, these roles play vital roles in improving healthcare through research, policy development, and education. They contribute to advancing dental treatments, advocating for better healthcare policies, and preparing future dental professionals. These specialties offer diverse career paths in research, academia, public health, and healthcare management, demonstrating their essential role in shaping the future of oral health and healthcare delivery.

Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: The future of non-clinical dentistry is poised for growth with advancements in technology and emphasis on evidence-based practices. Innovations in artificial intelligence and digital health solutions will transform diagnostics and treatment planning. There will be a greater integration of oral health into overall healthcare policies, addressing systemic health issues. Non-clinical roles will expand, focusing on personalized medicine and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance patient care outcomes globally. This evolution promises a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach to dental healthcare in the years ahead.

Dr. Jency Evanjelin P: Success in non-clinical dental specialties requires a diverse set of skills and competencies that go beyond direct patient care.

1. Research and Analytical Skills: Professionals need a solid understanding of research methodology, including designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results. Critical thinking is essential for evaluating research findings and drawing evidence-based conclusions. Strong writing and communication skills are also crucial for preparing research papers and effectively conveying complex ideas to various audiences.

2. Public Health and Epidemiology: A deep knowledge of public health principles is necessary for understanding epidemiology and designing effective community health programs. Skills in policy development are important for analyzing health policies and advocating for evidence-based changes. Community outreach abilities help in engaging with communities and implementing health initiatives that improve population health.

3. Education and Teaching: In the realm of education, professionals must have strong pedagogical skills to develop curricula and teaching materials. Mentorship is key for advising and supporting students or junior colleagues. Additionally, the ability to design assessments and use evaluation data to enhance teaching practices is critical for ensuring educational effectiveness.

4. Healthcare Management and Administration: Leadership and management skills are essential for overseeing teams, projects, and healthcare departments. Financial acumen is needed for budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation. Understanding healthcare regulations and ensuring compliance are also vital aspects of effective healthcare management.

5. Interpersonal and Collaborative Skills: Successful professionals in non-clinical dental specialties must excel in teamwork, working effectively with interdisciplinary teams. Strong verbal and written communication skills are important for interacting with diverse audiences. Cultural competence is crucial for respecting and understanding diverse cultural perspectives and their impact on healthcare.

6. Technological Proficiency: Digital literacy is necessary for using software tools for data analysis, research, and project management. Health informatics skills are important for understanding and utilizing electronic health records and analyzing health data to improve outcomes.

7. Personal Attributes: Adaptability is important for adjusting to changing environments and continuous learning. Ethical judgment ensures that professionals maintain integrity and adhere to ethical standards in their work. Attention to detail is critical for precision in research, data analysis, and regulatory compliance. By developing these skills and competencies, professionals in non-clinical dental specialties can excel in research, public health, education, and healthcare management, ultimately advancing the field of dentistry and improving public health outcomes.

Dr. Jency Evanjelin P:

• Define Your Path: Clearly outline your career goals and choose a non-clinical specialty that resonates with your aspirations in dentistry.

• Choose Wisely: Research post-graduate programs meticulously to find one that offers robust training in your chosen field, emphasizing practical experience and cutting-edge research opportunities.

• Hands-On Experience: Prioritize gaining hands-on experience through internships, research projects, or academic activities to enhance your skills and build a strong application.

• Sharpen Research Skills: Develop strong research skills by actively participating in projects, presenting at conferences, and publishing relevant work to establish credibility in your chosen non-clinical area.

• Network Strategically: Connect with mentors and professionals in your desired specialty to gain valuable insights and guidance for navigating your post-graduate studies and future career.

• Stay Current: Stay informed about emerging trends and advancements in non-clinical dentistry through continuous learning and engagement with industry publications and events.

• Prepare for Change: Be ready to adapt to the demands of non-clinical roles, whether it involves research, education, or administration, by cultivating a flexible and innovative mindset.

• Stay Committed: Demonstrate unwavering dedication and persistence in pursuing your post-graduate studies and achieving your career objectives in the dynamic field of dentistry.