DentiSight - Dr. Theresa Lily Thomas
Name: Dr. Theresa Lily Thomas
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. I can understand Tamil also when spoken to.
What do you do?
I used to work as a Junior Dentist in various private dental clinics. Currently, I am working as a Medical Content Writer at MedBound Times.
What prompted you to choose this profession?
My intention in entering the medical field was social service initially. But sadly, that didn’t go as planned. I can’t claim to have done any social service with this profession other than participating in a few dental camps.
What is the best part about being a dental student/professional?
Work-life balance is an advantage of dentistry compared to other medical professions. But it also has its cons.
How do you like spending your free time?
I love reading—mostly fiction, but I have developed an affection for non-fiction as well. I like gardening too. Seeing new blooms definitely cheers up my day. Most importantly, I love spending time with my family. How can I not mention my newfound love for Jagjit Singh’s ghazals?
Which is your favorite subject in dentistry and why?
Frankly, I never had a favorite subject in dentistry while I was in college. During my clinical years, I loved doing composite restorations, so I would say conservative dentistry.
Which is your least favorite subject in dentistry?
Dental anatomy and histology because histology diagrams were difficult and confusing, and my wax carvings never turned out great.
What are some studying tips you use to retain and understand things better?
We used to have study groups in our hostel. That got me through all my studies and university examinations. We used to revise and prepare together for exams, which helped a lot since if one person slacked, the other would encourage them.
Which dental procedure(s) you enjoy/anticipate doing the most?
I love doing dental composite restorations.
What do you enjoy more, doing an RCT or extracting teeth?
I find extractions more interesting. Frankly, RCT requires more patience.
What are some challenges you face in your professional field?
Menial pay and lack of respect are the main issues in the dental field. Oversaturation is another.
During practice, it is difficult to convince patients to make oral health a priority.
How would your friends describe you?
Maybe as a procrastinator, an easygoing person, and temperamental.
What has been the best/most memorable moment in your dental school so far?
The most memorable moments would be the time I spent in the hostel. The college trips we had as a whole batch are still cherished memories. It was quite a bonding experience.
Has dentistry impacted your food choices? Like, do you consume less sugary and sticky food items?
Yes, after studying dentistry, I always make sure to rinse my mouth thoroughly after consuming sticky and sugary food.
As a dental health professional, what is your dental health care regime?
I brush my teeth twice daily and make sure to floss if necessary.
If given a choice, what alternate career would you have opted for?
I assume I would have been a writer or gone into editing—something related to fictional literature, definitely.
Where would you like to work in the future?
I want to do freelance medical writing and editing in the future.
What is your dream travel destination?
The whole of Europe is on my bucket list. I find Ancient Greek and Roman architecture quite dreamy. Our own Chola architecture is just as fascinating.
Tell us a secret talent(s) that the world does not know about you?
I think I can cook well.
What are you not very good at?
I am not good at public speaking. I have quite a bit of stage fright.
A quote that resonates deeply with you?
"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted."
Any other point(s)/thought(s) you would like us to know about you? Please feel free to share with us.
Dentistry is currently saturated in India, with so many graduates emerging each year, yet rural India is not benefiting from it. The government should take measures to create more vacancies in rural areas.
(DentiSight/Dr.Theresa Lily Thomas/MSM)
