Dr Qaiser Ali Baig is currently serving as the Vice Principal of the Dow International Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences. He received his professional education (BDS) at the Baqai Medical University. He pursued his graduate studies (MSc in Dental Public Health) in the UK at London, England.
A skilled professional and a true educationist at heart, Dr Baig has many accolades to his name. He is the author of more than 22 research studies and a founding member of the IADR Pakistan Section. In 2008, Dr Qaiser developed the first-ever preventive dental OPD in any dental college in Lahore. He has received various awards, including an Outstanding Teaching Excellency Award from the DUHS in 2018. He has presented his studies in multiple conferences, both locally and internationally, for which he has gained significant recognition.
In recognition of his efforts in dentistry in Pakistan, Dental News decided to share a conversation with Dr Qaiser Ali Baig himself.
What inspired you to select this particular speciality?
Public health dentistry is rarely the primary goal for most dentists, but the potential it carries is exponential. I was searching for various post-graduation options locally and internationally after the completion of my undergraduate education. I happened to stumble upon an opportunity to flourish my skills in Research Governance, Global Health and Public Health Project Management, and I immediately seized that opportunity. This field was not everyone's cup of tea, so I decided to venture into something different and make space for myself there.
What is your opinion about the scope of Community Dentistry in Pakistan?
In the current scenario, unfortunately, in Pakistan, Community Dentistry gets the limelight for a limited time in academia only. The true essence of this noble discipline lies in serving the community itself. We rarely witness field trips and health camps specially designed to address prevalent dental public health-related issues. However, those are not enough to serve the purpose. In my opinion, scaling up an entire network of services will bring the change, starting with one National Oral Health Policy.
"It is time to realize the importance and integration of oral health into general health"
Luckily our statistics are not in a horrible condition in all parameters, but we must ask ourselves that are we waiting for something bad to happen so our priorities can be shifted towards oral health? A multi-sectorial collaborative approach in the Ministries of Health, Information and Education will bring a trickle-down effect to educate and serve the population at the grassroots level. Allocation of Public Health Dentist jobs in schools, dispensaries and hospitals will help us achieve preventive and oral health promotion regimes.
What are the causes of mouth diseases in Pakistan?
We are living in a world between commercialization, poverty and hunger. Branding even in food and products has shaken our oral health. The life patterns and practices have shifted the severity and pattern of diseases among individuals. We see different patterns of oral diseases linked to different socio-demographic and socio-political factors. Therefore, to control these diseases, we need to control the factors causing them to happen. Tobacco use, high sucrose diet, and poor oral hygiene will always remain eminent risk factors. We have to think out of the box to tackle the social extended factors contributing to the problem.
What steps can be taken to address the issues of people living in rural areas?
The biggest issue of Pakistani doctors and dentists is the brain drain. We don’t see an equitable distribution of doctors but rather see them moving towards better opportunities, resulting in no service provision in rural areas. In my personal opinion, one thing that can be done which has already been in practice in a few countries, students, after graduating from dental school, must serve as house officers or interns in tertiary care hospitals as well as in smaller hospitals located either outside the city or in its rural vicinities. Their house job should be supervised by senior faculty members, already deputed or hired in those areas. At this time, they can be offered attractive remunerations and provided with all necessities. Once they have served their house job or internship in different hospital settings, they will be better equipped to practice in any part of the country. This scaling-up of networks will tackle human resources with minimal expenditure in small towns and rural areas. I think this is the part where feasibility and possibilities can be explored.
"The biggest issue of Pakistani doctors and dentists is the brain drain"
What are the rising trends in dental research these days?
In my opinion, completing one well-formulated research project that contributes even the bare minimum to the literature of already published topics is better than conducting flawed research on novel ideas. On the other hand, this does not mean that people should keep on conducting KAB studies. Science has advanced into a phase where even the finest details are being looked into vigorously. We work on genomics, molecular epidemiology, technology, and material development in dentistry. Similarly, so many projects and horizons can be explored in research; it all depends on the topic that interests you.
Do you think research at the undergraduate level has any worth? Would you recommend it to students?
Even if it is not worth publishing, researching at an undergrad level can provide students with an idea about the process in the future. If not for anything, then just for the sake of learning. You learn with trial and error. No one is born a skilled researcher. So, yes, I believe undergraduate students should conduct at least one research part of their academic activity.
Any suggestions you want to give for dental students who are thinking to do research work in the future?
Research is not like doing a composite filling at the clinic to get instant satisfaction in aesthetics and monetary compensation. Research needs passion and unconditional dedication. Yes, it does not support you financially initially, but it will help you build your career immensely once you know how to conduct it.
Research projects done in Pakistan are still struggling to level with the ones conducted internationally; how do you think this difference can be eradicated?
Exposure is the key to getting better at research. National and international collaborations both are essential to help us progress in the field of health research. Teamwork is crucial in this regard as well. Many international projects are being conducted in Pakistan, but we need to do more, especially when it comes to dental research. Expand your reach with the help of effective teamwork and collaborations.
" Exposure is the key to getting better at research. You will never know what the world is working on unless you collaborate with international researchers and educate yourself about their inclinations"
What advice do you have for aspiring dentists?
It is difficult to become a dentist; it is even harder to become a specialist, consultant, or faculty member. While the road ahead is challenging, it does not mean that you should settle down after graduation only. If you have a passion, pursue it and work towards achieving the best of your capabilities.
"Always have a vision of how you wish to progress whenever you are presented with an opportunity"
There is competition, and it can be demotivating at times but never lose hope; everyone will settle down one day, sooner or later. It is your effort that will make you stand out in a crowd. People should remember you for your good deeds. When you reach a good and respectable position in your life, try to mentor, if not multiple, then at least one more person. Inculcate in them values about professionalism, knowledge, and hard work the same way your mentor did for you. The struggle is a prominent part of life, but you must learn to tackle any obstacles, big or small, that come your way with resilience and patience. Lastly, I will say that the key to success lies in respect, persistence, hard work and faith. Put in everything you have got to achieve your goals. Keep your intentions pure and hope for the best.
"Empathy should be your prime tool; become a good human being first"