The Art and Science of Dentistry: Insights from Dr. Muskan Srivastava
In this interview exploring the field of dentistry, we are going to dig into the journey of Dr. Muskan Srivastava and her experience and knowledge in dentistry. We discussed her experience with patients, their oral health, and general wellness. Dr. Muskan Srivastava did her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at Chandra Dental College and Hospital, Safedabad, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh India. (2018-2024)
Akashita Panjla: Can you tell us about your educational background and why you chose dentistry as a career?
Dr. Muskan Srivastava: I am a dental surgeon, and for this, I have pursued a bachelor of dental surgery from Chandra Dental College and Hospital, Safedabad, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh. I have chosen this career because, from childhood, I always wanted to be a doctor but hadn't decided specifically which doctor. One day, I came to know about this course, so from that day on, I decided to do dentistry because the mouth is the first place from which any disease can start.
Akashita Panjla: What are your areas of specialization within dentistry?
Dr. Muskan Srivastava: Diagnosis and Treatment, Planning Root Canal Treatment, Restoration, Oral Prophylaxis, and Extraction.
Akashita Panjla: Describe a challenging case you have handled and how you approached it.
Dr. Muskan Srivastava: During my internship, when I was posted in the department of conservative and endodontics, a patient was allotted to me and he was in severe pain. At the same time, he was also very nervous, so to tackle this, I first talked to him and made him comfortable, so for that, I told him that I was giving him an injection. It will be a little painful, but after that, there will be no pain at all, and he agreed on this, so I learned from this that you have to handle the patients with love and care, and for this, you must have lots of patience in yourself too.
Akashita Panjla: How do you ensure that you maintain high standards of infection control and hygiene in your practice?
Dr. Muskan Srivastava: For hygiene, I always make sure that every patient's suction tube, patient drape, glass, gloves, masks, etc. must be different. I don't use the same instruments on multiple patients, and proper sterilization of the instruments is done along with sanitizer at every corner.
Akashita Panjla: How has telehealth impacted the way you provide dental care, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Dr. Muskan Srivastava: Okay, so in dentistry, we cannot diagnose the actual cause without taking radiographs. If there is a mild problem, then surely we can see it with the help of telecommunications, but the majority of the diagnosis and treatment can be done in clinics only, and during COVID-19, all the dental procedures were stopped.
Akashita Panjla: How do you handle patients who are anxious or fearful about dental procedures?
Dr. Muskan Srivastava: First of all, I try to talk to them in a nice and polite manner, and then I try to explain the dental procedure that they are going to obtain. Once they are comfortable, only then I start the procedure.
Akashita Panjla: What strategies do you use to educate patients about oral health and preventative care?
Dr. Muskan Srivastava: Strategies like organizing dental camps in rural areas, schools, colleges, etc. Providing some free samples to the patients. Providing free education programs regarding oral health.
Akashita Panjla: What experience do you have with managing a dental practice or working as part of a dental team?
Dr. Muskan Srivastava: I feel very privileged by working as a part of a dental team.
Akashita Panjla: How do you mentor or support junior dentists and dental assistants in your practice?
Dr. Muskan Srivastava: First of all, I will tell them to have confidence because confidence is the key to everything, and as the proverb says, practice makes a man perfect, so they must do as much as possible as every case is different in their own way.
Akashita Panjla: How do you maintain a work-life balance in a demanding profession like dentistry?
Dr. Muskan Srivastava: I try to keep my personal and professional life separate.
Akashita Panjla: What motivates you to continue improving and excelling in your field?
Dr. Muskan Srivastava: Seeing my patients smile and be free of pain.
