Insights from Dr. Nibir Chakma's Practice in Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, and Assam (Part -2)
Dr. Nirainila Joseph from MedBound Times interviews Dr. Nibir Chakma in this DocScopy segment, to discuss his journey from Mizoram to Chennai and Assam, shedding light on the cultural and geographical influences on dental care. Graduating with a BDS degree from the Tamil Nadu Government Dental College and Hospital, Chennai India, Dr. Nibir provides a unique perspective on how different cultural backgrounds influence dental health and patient care.
He reflects on his experiences studying in Chennai, discussing the language barriers and cultural differences he encountered and how he overcame them with the support of colleagues and professors. Dr. Nibir also shares his observations on the disparities in dental care between states, including the challenges in his home state of Mizoram. He speaks about patient awareness and the evolving future of dental care in the states he has worked in. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring dental students navigating diverse environments.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: In your experience, have you observed any differences in patient expectations and patient attitudes towards dental care between Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, and Assam?
Dr. Nibir Chakma: My experience in Tamil Nadu was at a government dental hospital where most patients came from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. They primarily sought pain relief and affordable treatment, with limited awareness of preventive dental care.
In Mizoram, my practice was in rural areas where patients also sought affordable treatment options and pain relief, and there was a noticeable lack of awareness about oral hygiene.
In contrast, while practicing in Assam's urban setup, patients frequently sought more expensive treatments like veneers, crowns, and implants, in addition to general dental care. There was a higher general awareness of dental hygiene.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: How do the healthcare infrastructure and resources differ in Assam, Tamil Nadu and Mizoram?
Dr. Nibir Chakma: Guwahati has better-developed healthcare facilities including hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers compared to other parts of Assam. Mizoram is a hilly state with difficult access to dental health care. There are better clinics in the capital, Aizawl. Rural dental care is mainly provided through community health centers under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). Lastly, Tamilnadu has better dental care facilities compared with Assam and Mizoram.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Is there anything you would like to see done to improve access to quality dental care in geographically remote areas of India?
Dr. Nibir Chakma: Rural dental care needs in Mizoram are primarily addressed by the NHRM. However, the limited resources provided by the government restrict the treatment options available to patients. Increasing the budget allocation could enhance the availability of quality dental care.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: How do you see the future of dental care evolving in the regions you have worked so far?
Dr. Nibir Chakma: I see larger adoption of technological advancements by dentists like CAD/ CAM, digital dentistry, implantology, regenerative dentistry and aesthetic dentistry. There is also an increase in general awareness and patient participation.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: Do you believe your experiences studying and working in different parts of India have made you a more well-rounded dentist? How?
Dr. Nibir Chakma: Studying and working in different parts of India have definitely contributed to making me a more well-rounded dentist. These experiences have exposed me to a diverse range of dental cases, patient demographics, and cultural considerations. They have broadened my clinical skills, enhanced my ability to adapt to various patient needs, and deepened my understanding of oral health challenges specific to different regions. Additionally, interacting with colleagues from various backgrounds has enriched my professional perspective and improved my ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary settings. Overall, these experiences have been invaluable in shaping me into a more versatile and empathetic dentist.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: While every procedure is important, are there any specific dental procedures that you find particularly enjoyable and what are the most rewarding aspects of being a dentist? Looking ahead, what are your long term career goals?
Dr. Nibir Chakma: I enjoy building a tooth from RCT to dental crowns. The most rewarding aspect is seeing my patient smile and happy from pain relief. In future, I wish to open a multimodal chain of dental clinics with special focus in rural areas all over India.
Dr. Nirainila Joseph: What advice would you give to other dentists or healthcare professionals who are considering working in different geographical areas with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds? .
Dr. Nibir Chakma: I would like to say just follow these - Adapt, Persist, Succeed.
MedBound Times expresses sincere gratitude to Dr. Nibir Chakma for sharing his valuable insights on our platform.
