Making an Impact at a Global Congress on Dental Traumatology

Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) is proud to announce the remarkable achievement of our very own Year 1 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) student, Othman Zuhir, who successfully secured funding from the Newcastle University’s Student Disbursement Fund to attend and present at the 22nd World Congress on Dental Traumatology in Tokyo, Japan, recently.

This opportunity provided invaluable networking and learning experiences. Among others, Othman gained insights into cutting-edge research on dental trauma management, including bioceramic dental materials and digital applications in teeth autotransplantation; met prominent experts such as Mitsuhiro Tsukiboshi, Cesar de Gregorio, and Fabricio Teixeria; as well as engaging with and learning from other delegates.

His case report marked a significant milestone in his academic journey. A collaboration with paediatric dental specialists from Selayang Hospital and Malacca Hospital, the report focused on the use of Biodentine, a bioceramic material, to halt tooth root resorption and strengthen the tooth following tooth avulsion.

“It was my first time presenting at an international conference and I was feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as I headed to Japan alone. Presenting on such a big platform was a bit intimidating, but I saw it as a chance to learn and grow while I received feedback from top specialists in the field,” he enthused.

This exposure has greatly impacted Othman’s future and direction in his medical career. “This experience solidified my passion for this field and gave me the knowledge and skills to provide top-notch care to my future patients. It really helped me understand how to manage dental trauma, which is crucial for a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The chance to connect with people in the field and learn about the latest research will be very helpful as I move forward in my career,” he said.

Othman finds his transition to the first year of the MBBS programme at NUMed to be challenging, but also extremely rewarding, and is grateful for the support he has received from the campus community here.

“Even though I started the course a bit later than others due to some commitments, I managed to catch up quickly with the support from the staff and student community at NUMed. Having a dentistry background for my first degree undoubtedly made the transition easier. I also find that it’s really important to manage your time well during the course as a medical student,” he shared.

According to him, NUMEd’s MBBS programme utilises a stimulating case-based learning curriculum that pushes him to grow intellectually. He also appreciates the opportunities to gain hands-on experience and deal with real-world situations that are instrumental in getting students ready for successful careers as future doctors.

Othman encourages students seeking similar opportunities to plan ahead and get started early. “Keep an eye out for upcoming conferences related to your interests. Reach out to consultants, researchers, professors, and mentors who can help you develop research or a case report. Don’t hesitate to apply for funding – there are plenty of resources available to support student participation in conferences.”

Congratulations on your achievement, Othman!

We look forward to supporting more students in their endeavours to contribute to healthcare and medical research globally!