Joseph has gained extensive experience throughout his journey, enriching his expertise in the field of Dentistry and solidifying his interest in healthcare.

After completing his Diploma in Oral Health Therapy (DOHT) in 2017, Joseph went through the usual pathway – serving National Service as a medic and a dental assistant, and then a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science at Nanyang Technological University.

What was impactful for Joseph was developing an ultra-sensitive biosensor as a research assistant at the NUS Centre for Advanced 2D Materials, capable of detecting minute amounts of biomarkers (molecules associated with a disease) in non-invasive samples like saliva. This experience highlighted the revolutionary power of science and technology in disease diagnosis, deepening his commitment to dental research.

Through hard work and passion, Joseph earned a scholarship to pursue a PhD on salivary diagnostics. We caught up with Joseph to learn more about his journey.

1) How did your experience in the DOHT programme make a unique and valuable foundation for your career in dentistry, and prepare you for your current PhD studies?

The NYP DOHT programme gave me so much more than just dental knowledge—it opened my eyes to how oral health connects to overall well-being. The programme taught me how the human body works, especially the head and neck, and how issues in the mouth can reveal or affect a person’s general health.

We were taught to see patients as whole people and consider all aspects of their being, not just their oral health issues. I got to apply what I learned with real patients, tackle unique challenges, and sharpen my problem-solving skills. The experience was transformative for me, especially now that I’m diving into research that connects oral and systemic health.

The combination of practical experience and exposure to a variety of cases gave me the confidence and skills to approach research with fresh ideas and a holistic perspective. It was an amazing journey of growth and discovery!

2) What aspects of the DOHT programme did you find most rewarding? Did it offer you any practical skills or experiences that you think will benefit your future career?

It’s definitely the hands-on clinical training! Taking what we learned in class and using it to help real patients was empowering. Seeing patients improve after treatment was a game-changer, sparking a deeper passion for the field and a sense of purpose. Every day brought new challenges, from dealing with unique oral conditions to adapting on the spot when things didn’t go as planned.

The exposure to various oral conditions and direct patient interactions sharpened my observation skills, and challenged me to think creatively and critically in situations outside the classroom. The experience built my critical thinking for practical solutions, and my abilities have been invaluable when tackling research projects and figuring things out in the lab. It’s been the perfect preparatory training for diving into more advanced studies and research.

3) How did NYP help you develop both clinical and interpersonal skills? How important are these skills in building a successful career in oral healthcare?

The extensive clinical exposure in DOHT played a significant role in developing both my clinical and interpersonal skills, ultimately enhancing treatment outcomes. While we were trained to perform oral examinations and treatments, it’s more critical to build trust and foster patients’ cooperation when we communicate effectively and empathetically with patients – especially those with dental anxiety.

We also conducted regular clinical case presentations, which were invaluable practice to conveying cases clearly and efficiently – an essential skill in actual practice when oral health therapists need to hand over cases to dentists for diagnosis or follow-up care. These communication and people skills are key for a successful career in oral healthcare since they help ensure smooth teamwork and patient-focused care.

4) As a PhD scholar, how would you describe the potential career pathways for DOHT graduates?

The potential career pathways for DOHT diploma holders are diverse and extend far beyond clinical practice. While some may choose to remain in clinical roles, there are numerous opportunities for specialisation or leadership positions.

For instance:

• Oral health therapists can focus on specific areas like paediatrics or geriatrics, and further refine their expertise in these fields.
• Graduates can also take on dual roles that combine clinical duties with positions in management or research, particularly in the public sector, where there are opportunities for career advancement and progression into leadership roles.

5) What advice would you share with prospective students interested in DOHT? How can they make the most of this programme for future opportunities?

Dive headfirst into every learning opportunity, especially when you're in the clinic. Don't forget about the importance of soft skills. Being able to manage patients, work well with colleagues, and handle the day-to-day running of a clinic are key to your career growth.

Also, try to think beyond just clinical work. The skills you pick up in your studies can help you in a wide range of career paths, be it in research, policy, education, or healthcare management.

The diploma gives you a solid base, not just for your current goals, but also for exploring new opportunities down the line. With the right attitude, this programme can set the stage for fulfilling your aspirations and discovering new possibilities.

6) How has DOHT has influenced your passion for dentistry? How do you think the programme helped shape your long-term career goals?

Looking back, the DOHT programme was what made me what I am today. Besides a solid foundation in dental science, it also opened my eyes to the bigger picture of holistic healthcare. The hands-on experience was invaluable, and it was during those countless hours in the clinics that I felt a spark—an undeniable passion for dentistry that I just couldn't ignore.

More than just learning about teeth, the programme was about understanding how oral health fits into a person’s overall well-being. With what I learnt and developed along the way, starting from DOHT at NYP, I realised there was so much more to fill the gaps today, and to explore and innovate.

The diploma wasn't just a stepping stone; it was a launchpad that propelled me toward my long-term career goals. It instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and drove me to push the boundaries of what's possible in oral healthcare. Now, I'm committed to advancing the field and making a real difference in the way oral health therapists contribute to overall healthcare.