Bridging Expertise and Global Ambitions: Dr. Greeshma B on Her Dental Career
Join Dr. Sreelekshmi P from MedBound Times in this edition of Dentisight as she engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Greeshma B, a dedicated general dentist with a passion for comprehensive oral healthcare.
Dr. Greeshma completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at Amrita School of Dentistry, India, and has gained valuable hands-on experience in performing a variety of dental procedures, including composite restorations and periodontal therapy.
In this interview, Dr. Greeshma shares her journey into dentistry, discussing her early inspirations, the role of patient education in overcoming dental anxiety, and her commitment to staying updated on the latest advancements in dental materials and technologies. She also discusses her aspirations to pursue international practice by preparing for the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam.
Tune in as Dr. Greeshma offers a deeper understanding of the diverse aspects of general dentistry, from patient care to continuous professional development.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: Can you tell us about your journey to become a general dentist and what inspired you to choose this field?
Dr. Greeshma B: My journey into dentistry was driven by a deep passion for healthcare and the desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Dentistry stood out to me as a perfect balance of science, art, and patient care. During my time at Amrita School of Dentistry, I was exposed to various disciplines within dentistry, from preventive care to complex restorative procedures. I strongly believe that every dentist should confidently attempt new procedures because hands-on experience is the foundation of professional growth. This belief has pushed me to expand my skills and develop into a more confident and competent practitioner.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: What types of dental procedures do you perform most frequently, and which do you feel most confident handling?
Dr. Greeshma B: In my practice, I frequently perform composite restorations for both anterior and posterior teeth, ensuring both functional repair and aesthetic appeal. I also handle scaling and root planing (SRP) for patients with periodontal issues, addressing both supragingival and subgingival deposits. Additionally, I manage procedures like tooth extractions, fluoride treatments, and sealant applications.
Among these, I feel most confident in performing composite fillings, especially in the anterior region, where aesthetics plays a significant role. I take great care to match the shade and contour of the filling to the natural tooth structure, enhancing both the function and appearance of the teeth. I also excel in periodontal therapy, ensuring thorough removal of plaque and calculus to prevent gum disease progression.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: How do you handle patients with dental anxiety or fear during treatment?
Dr. Greeshma B: Dental anxiety is a common challenge, and I approach it with empathy and patience. I believe that open communication is essential in easing a patient’s fear. Before beginning any procedure, I take the time to explain the treatment plan, answer all questions, and address any concerns. I avoid using technical jargon and instead use visual aids or models to help patients understand what to expect.
I also create a calming environment by ensuring the clinical setting is as comfortable as possible. Simple practices like maintaining a friendly tone, offering short breaks during procedures, and using pain management techniques help reduce anxiety.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: What steps do you take to stay updated on the latest advancements and technologies in dentistry?
Dr. Greeshma B: Dentistry is a constantly evolving field, and staying updated is vital. I actively read dental journals, follow news articles on innovations in dental materials and techniques, and watch educational videos by leading dental professionals to learn about the latest advancements.
I also follow developments in aesthetic dentistry, keeping up with innovations in materials for veneers, composite bonding, and teeth whitening systems. Additionally, I explore advancements in digital dentistry, including CAD/CAM technology, intraoral scanners, and laser dentistry, which are transforming treatment accuracy and patient comfort.
Attending continuing dental education (CDE) programs, webinars, and hands-on workshops also allows me to enhance my practical knowledge and learn directly from experts in the field.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: How do you ensure effective communication with patients, especially when explaining complex procedures?
Dr. Greeshma B: Clear communication is the foundation of patient trust. I break down complex procedures into simple, understandable steps and explain the purpose of each treatment. I often use visual aids like dental models, diagrams, or videos to help patients visualize their dental condition and the planned procedure.
I make it a point to discuss the benefits, potential risks, and alternatives to treatments so that patients can make informed decisions. By encouraging them to ask questions and voice concerns, I create an open dialogue that helps patients feel more involved and less anxious about their treatment.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: Have you encountered any particularly challenging cases, and how did you manage them?
Dr. Greeshma B: One particularly challenging case involved a patient with severe generalized periodontitis combined with advanced tooth decay. The patient was hesitant about undergoing the extensive treatment required. I began by thoroughly explaining the condition, using radiographs and intraoral images to demonstrate the severity of the disease.
I developed a step-by-step treatment plan that included deep cleaning, tooth restorations, and future periodontal maintenance. By breaking the treatment into manageable phases and providing consistent support, I helped the patient gain confidence in the process. This case reinforced the importance of patient education, gradual treatment progression, and personalized care.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: How do you collaborate with other dental professionals, such as hygienists and specialists, for comprehensive patient care?
Dr. Greeshma B: Comprehensive dental care requires effective teamwork. For cases that require specialized treatment—such as orthodontics, endodontics, or oral surgery—I refer patients to trusted specialists and maintain open communication to coordinate care.
I believe that collaborative care improves treatment outcomes, especially for complex cases requiring multi-disciplinary intervention, such as full-mouth rehabilitation or implant placement.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: What strategies do you use to maintain high standards of infection control and sterilization?
Dr. Greeshma B: Strict infection control is vital in any dental practice. I ensure all instruments are autoclaved immediately after procedures and that disposable items are properly discarded after single use. The clinical environment is sanitized regularly, and I strictly follow sterilization protocols.
I adhere to standard precautions, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), practicing hand hygiene, and using barrier protection where necessary. These practices not only ensure patient safety but also build trust and confidence in the care I provide.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: How do you handle situations where a patient requests unnecessary or potentially risky treatments?
Dr. Greeshma B: When patients request treatments that are unnecessary or potentially harmful, I focus on educating them about safer, evidence-based alternatives. I explain the advantages and risks associated with their request and why certain procedures might not be in their best interest.
If a patient still insists on proceeding, I ensure they fully understand the implications and obtain a written informed consent before continuing. My priority is always the patient’s health and safety, and I aim to guide them toward the most appropriate treatment options.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: What are your long-term career goals, and are there specific skills or specialties you aim to develop further?
Dr. Greeshma B: My long-term goal is to expand my dental practice internationally, particularly by working in Dubai. I am highly interested in developing advanced skills in aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry, including veneers, teeth whitening, and smile makeovers.
I believe continuous learning and adapting to new technologies will allow me to provide the best possible care to my patients.
Dr. Sreelekshmi P: What are your future career plans, and how are you preparing for the DHA exam?
Dr. Greeshma B: I am actively preparing to take the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam to pursue dental practice in Dubai. To achieve this goal, I have enrolled in specialized DHA coaching programs that focus on both theoretical concepts and clinical case management.
These programs help me stay updated with international dental guidelines and improve my understanding of patient care in a global context. Successfully passing the DHA exam will allow me to broaden my career opportunities and deliver advanced, high-quality dental care in Dubai.
MedBound Times expresses sincere gratitude to Dr. Greeshma B for sharing her valuable insights on our platform.
