DentiSight - Dr. Christina Chirayath
Name: Dr. Christina Chirayath
Birth Place: Thrissur, Kerala, India
Educational Qualification: BDS, Century International Institute of Dental Science and Research Centre, Poinachi, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
Languages you speak or write: English, Malayalam, Hindi.
What do you do?
After my graduation and for many years afterward, I worked as a dentist. Now, I’ve ventured into the return gift business in Thrissur, Kerala. It's an online project where we customise mini aquariums, live plants, etc.
What prompted you to choose this profession?
My own Orthodontic treatment during my school days were the inspiration for me to enter this field.
What was the best part about being a dental professional?
I always looked forward to incorporating innovative approaches into my treatment planning.
How do you like spending your free time?
I like spending time with my family.
Which is your favorite subject in dentistry and why?
Definitely orthodontics, as it was the initial inspiration behind my career choice.
What are some studying tips you use to retain and understand things better?
I initiated a study group during college. Teaching my friends helped reinforce my own understanding—explaining concepts made them clearer to me.
Which dental procedure(s) do you enjoy/anticipate doing the most?
I really enjoy restorative procedures.
What do you enjoy more, doing an RCT or extracting teeth?
Extracting teeth.
What are some challenges you face in your professional field?
One major challenge is people's attitude toward pediatric RCT treatments or pulpectomies. Parents are often unwilling to spend money on milk teeth, thinking it’s a waste. But if you understand the importance of primary teeth, you'll realize it's money well spent. Retaining primary teeth until their time is crucial because their early loss can cause misalignment in permanent teeth.
How would your friends describe you?
They’d say I’m innovative, smart, and always up for a challenge.
What has been the best/most memorable moment in your dental school so far?
Being appreciated by my orthodontics professor during my practical exam in front of the external examiner was a proud and memorable moment.
Has dentistry impacted your food choices? Like, do you consume less sugary and sticky food items?
Yes, definitely. I’ve reduced my intake of sweets and now include more healthy foods in my diet.
As a dental health professional, what is your dental health care regime?
It includes brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, and regular dental check-ups.
If given a choice, what alternate career would you have opted for?
In the medical field, I might have opted ayurvedic medicine.
Where would you like to work in the future?
I aspire to work in a government hospital so I can connect with and treat a wider range of patients.
What is your dream travel destination?
Singapore.
Tell us a secret talent(s) that the world does not know about you?
I recently discovered my passion for entrepreneurship—I really enjoy being a businessperson.
What are you not very good at?
I find it challenging to communicate effectively with difficult or arrogant patients.
A quote that resonates deeply with you?
“There is no shortcut to success.”
(DentiSight/Dr.Christina Chirayath/TL)
