IMPROVEMENTS IN DENTAL LITERACY AND GREATER INSIGHTS THROUGH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
Dr Kenneth Soh, General Dentist
Smart Dental,
Kellyville, New South Wales
PEOPLE IN HEALTH CARE SEGMENT
Filmed in Sydney | February 2025
Dr. Kenneth Soh is a General Dentist based in Kellyville, New South Wales, a suburb located in northwestern Sydney. Originally from Melbourne, he studied Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc) at Melbourne University and graduated in 2003. After working for a year in the Mornington Peninsula, Dr. Soh moved to New South Wales, initially thinking it would be temporary; however, he has been there for 19 years. While he has considered specialising, he finds joy in all aspects of dentistry.
Dr. Soh notes that dental care has evolved significantly, particularly with advancements in technology and increased patient awareness. Many patients now come in equipped with knowledge about their treatment options, often asking about cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. His practice has embraced digital technology early on, transitioning from traditional paper notes and film X-rays to digital forms, including intraoral sensors and cone beam imaging.
This transition to digital technology has provided dentists with a clearer understanding of dental health, allowing for better diagnostics and treatment planning. Dr. Soh emphasises the growing dental literacy among General Practitioners, who now often refer patients for dental check-ups before starting certain medications, such as those for osteoporosis.
The dental training landscape has changed as well, moving toward more competitive entry processes and varied educational paths. Dr Soh talks about the hard journey becoming a dentist currently being at university for seven years before someone can start as a dentist. He shares his observations as a General Dentist and gives his advice for anyone who enjoys working with teeth, with people, incorporating science as well as artistic flair!
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Understanding extracellular vesicles in cancer therapy research
Joy Wolfram is an Associate Professor at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Queensland in Australia. Originally from Finland, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology before transitioning to engineering with a PhD in nanotechnology completed in China. Wolfram has over a decade of experience working in hospitals in the United States before joining the University of Queensland.
Her research focuses on extracellular vesicles, which are crucial for cell communication both locally within tissues and over longer distances between organs. Her lab studies the roles of these vesicles in both health and disease, particularly in cancer. They investigate the harmful messages released by cancer cells that aid in tumour growth, specifically in breast cancer, while also exploring how to harness beneficial extracellular vesicles from healthy individuals as potential therapeutics.
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Sonia Marshall – South Western Sydney Local Health District
South Western Sydney Local Health District serves nearly 1 million people in a rapidly growing area of Sydney. Currently 250-300 families a week are moving into the region and with a growing population, the health district requires well executed strategy and delivery of healthcare to the population. Executive Director Sonia Marshall spoke with Australian Health Journal reporter Anne Dao at last week’s Australian Healthcare Week in Sydney, on supporting staff and the community. Sonia highlights the mission of delivering Safe Quality Healthcare at all times. In-time patient feedback is important and the SWSLHD has implemented a system called “My Experience Matters” to give near immediate response from patients on their level of care, whilst they are still on site at the hospital. The aim of the initiative is to quickly identify bad experiences that could be rectified.
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Inaugural Rural and Remote Health Awards
Rural communities are a foundation of the economy and society and must be kept healthy.
There are significant personal, professional and financial rewards for rural healthcare professionals. However, there are also challenges – isolation, long hours, confusion about where to turn for support.
To acknowledge and celebrate the work of Rural and Remote Health Professionals, Rural Health Pro have launched the inaugural National Rural and Remote Health Awards.
