Dentists Vs Dental Hygienists, The Sprinter Vs the Marathon Runner

Dentists have a small customer base of big spenders, while Dental Hygienists have a large base of smaller spenders. This was one of the main messages that Dr Irfan Ali, a lecturer in the School of Health Sciences, had for a group of secondary 3 Catholic High School students during a 3-hour workshop organized by the School of Health Sciences. 

Dr  Irfan Ali speaking to the students about the Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Therapy.

This workshop was part of a programme for secondary school students to learn moreabout the Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Therapy course, which is taught by Dr Irfan Ali.

 "You will be in demand," Dr Irfan Ali said.

Dr Ali said that the course allows students to develop more hands-on experience and contact time with their lecturers. Students pursuing this diploma will receive approximately 3,000 hours of contact time per semester.

"If the diploma was available to me when I was studying, I would have taken it," Dr Irfan Ali said, referring to the diploma's prospects.

Mdm Eudora Soh, a Dental Therapist Support Officer who co-ran the workshop, agrees. She said that graduates who can do their job well while developing a rapport with customers are in high demand.

In addition to the introductory lecture, the 4 Catholic High School students also worked on over-sized training teeth.

Mdm Soh shows the students the training teeth they will be working on.

Joshua Lim and Alvin Loh, two students who attended the workshop, found it helpful.

Alvin said that, "it answered a lot of industry questions I had and highlighted the different career paths I can take."

Mdm Soh shows Catholic High School student, Joshua Lim (center), how to work on the training teeth.

Joshua said that the workshop helped him understand the differences between a Dental Hygienist and a Dentist. "Before I came here, I didn't know the difference. I thought a dentist is a dentist!"

Mdm Soh (foreground) with (from left to right) Joshua Lim, Elvin Tan, Alvin Loh and Chen Peng Hao.

Joshua added, "This course is the only one available in Singapore, so there's little competition and it's easier to find a job."

To learn more about the Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Therapy, click here.

To learn more about the School of Health Sciences, click here