Dr. SOEURN Visal
For the past 6-8 months two UP dental students, Samith Amara and Heng Rithi, have been doing internships at the renowned the Roomchang Dental Hospital in Phnom Penh. Following an online application and interview, Rithi (batch 3) and Amara (batch 2) were offered Clinical Fellowships for several days per week (when not attending the UP Dental Clinic or lectures). It involves observing and assisting the senior dentists, some of whom are specialists in implantology, prosthodontics, endodontics and pediatric dentistry. The interview below highlights some of the benefits Rithi and Amara have experienced.
Why did you want to do an internship at Roomchang Dental Hospital?
Rithi – Because Roomchang is a state-of-art dental hospital that has more than 2 decades of experience with a strong commitment to provide quality dentistry to everyone. Actually it also has many specialists working there so it is a great opportunity to learn from some of the best dentists in Cambodia.
Amara – Because it is regarded as the top clinic in Cambodia, with a lot of top dentists with many years of experience, and they use very modern equipment and have the latest technologies in dentistry.
What have you been able to observe so far?
Rithi – During my time there I have seen a lot of oral surgery, especially 3rd molar removal and dental implants. I have also seen endodontic treatment of difficult cases, really good esthetic dentistry, prosthodontics and orthodontics. Sometimes I assist the dentists at the chairside as they treat the patients. Some of the dentists ask me questions and explain what they are doing, and why they have chosen this particular treatment or material. I have learnt a lot.
What impresses you about RC?
Amara – Their working standards are the same as overseas, which is probably why they have many foreign patients coming. Patients trust the dentists at Roomchang.
Rithi – The place so well organized, with a lot of high quality materials and equipment. Also the dentists, assistants and receptionists are very professional. They put the patients first, and act ethically, explaining to the patient the diagnosis, the various treatment options and the costs. Also, their cross infection control is of a high standard.
Do you think this has been a good experience for you?
Amara – I think it has been a very good experience for me that I can intern there.
Rithi – Yes of course. I would recommend other students apply for internships like this.
How well do you think your education at UP has prepared you for entering the workforce?
Amara – I think my education at UP has prepared me well, especially the good supervised clinical experience I got in years 4 to 7. But having been at Roomchang, I realize that I still have a lot more to learn.
What is your long-term plan?
Rithi – I hope that following my clinical experiences at UP, and my internship at Roomchang, I can become a good dentist and work in a top dental clinic.
Amara – My long-term plan is to be a dentist at Roomchang, and gradually improve my skills.
