Dental School Presentation

Yesterday was a very busy and great day for all of us. Our day started at 6:00 am with a ride into Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to The University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. The university specializes in various disciplines including fundamental sciences, medicine, odonto-stomotlogy, traditional medicine, pharmacy, nursing and medical techniques, and public health. The univerity also provides training for health professionals at the college level after completion of the 10th grade program in career options such as dental hygiene, physical therapy, nurse (general), medical and pharmaceutical assistant, midwife, and dental lab and radiology technician, to name a few. The School of Medicine and Pharmacy was started in 1947 and the dental school was opened in 1964.

We were graciously greeted by the Assistant Dean of the dental school who took us on a tour of the dental school. Aside from looking very worn, the training facilities looked very much like what you would see in the US. We were able to see the adminstrative office, reception areas, several clinics, a simulation lab, the sterilization area, and students pouring up and finishing models. There is a separate pedo clinic where children under the age of 6 can receive free dental work. An Oral B representative was present in the pedo clinic as the company was sponsoring the dental health day for the school. If I was understanding correctly the dental school, much like ours, provides low cost dental work and is open to all of the public but it can take a long time to get into and, of course, the appointments are longer. The one thing we did notice is that there is not as much emphasis put on infection control as in the US. They do not use barriers on their chairs or handpieces but they do wear masks, gloves and glasses. Patients do not wear glasses.

There is a dental hygiene program that is also part of the university but it is located off campus. I spoke with a woman who was a dental hygienist, a dental therapist, and a DH educator. The dental hygiene program is 2 years. In Vietnam, dental hygienists are able to clean and polish teeth and provide oral hygiene instructions. The dental therapist can do fillings. Neither can give local anesthesia. They also do not offer Bachelor's degrees in DH.

Randy and Jimmy's presentation began at around 9:00 am. Randy lectured on bonding systems, glass ionomers, atraumatic restorative technique (ART) and Bi-tine rings. Jimmy's topic discussed the typical patient in the dental office. Both were complete with PowerPoint presentations customized with photos taken by both Jimmy and Randy. Both presentations were excellent and looked as if they were put together by professionals. This was Jimmy's very first presentation he had ever given to a larger audience. He said he was nervous but you would have never known it. He has the natural talent to be a future lecturer for sure. Randy's presentation grabbed the attention of the crowd and he was invited back to speak at the dental school anytime he would like. This was an enormous compliment to his preparation and teaching talents. Our resident interpretor, My, is doing an absolute fantastic job and was even given compliments by the Assistant Dean on her excellent translation abilities.

Everyone was so kind to us and after the presentation, several medical doctors came up to us to ask questions. One of them also expressed her interest in helping us with our mission while we are here. All in all, a very successful and enjoyable experience.

p.s. We will send pictures soon. We just need to find some time to upload them into our blog. Our days are so full that in the evenings when we return to the hotel, it's straight to bed. Everyone is still healthy and doing well. On a personal note, I have am now moving onto Immodium--oh happy days :).