Dr Michael's | New General Dentist

Posted on

23 July 2015

| Last updated on 2 May 2017

Up Close & Personal with General Dentist Dr. Zia Ul Haq

Get to know more about Dr. Zia, the newest dentist to join Dr. Michael's Dental Clinic. What are the most common misconceptions about oral health, what is his career philosophy? Find out more about him today.

Why did you choose to be a dentist? What motivated you to choose this career?

Dentistry is a creative profession, which combines both science and art. I chose it as a career because I have a passion for the sciences coupled with a creative streak and a love of art.

What do you like most about being a dentist?

It is a dynamic, challenging and rewarding career. It has given me the opportunity to travel and meet people from all walks of life, from all corners of the globe.

What is Advanced Restorative Dentistry and why are you passionate about it?

Advanced Restorative Dentistry is the branch of Dentistry that deals with the restoration of diseased, injured or abnormal teeth to normal appearance and function. It uses indirect restorations (laboratory made) such as: inlays, crowns and veneers. I am passionate about this discipline because it is challenging, requires a high level of expertise and it brings together the art and science of Dentistry. The satisfaction comes from seeing the transformation in the patient’s smile and their improved confidence.

The top 3 most common treatments you do in your practice are:

Anterior aesthetics using veneers and crowns, direct restorative using composite (tooth coloured) filling material and tooth whitening using the professional home whitening method.

The common misconceptions about oral health are:

a. "I don’t have any problems so I don’t need to visit the dentist."

The onset of oral problems is often “silent”. We recommend regular 6 monthly checkups for adults and children to identify oral health issues early before they become problematic. As patients, if we leave things until they become a problem this often means unnecessary and preventable pain and the need for more complex and costly treatment.

b. "Losing teeth as I get older is normal."

With an increasing aged population, it is not uncommon for older people to have a full complement of their own teeth. Regular, routine check-ups to the dentist can ensure "Oral health for Life" and a full set of healthy teeth at an advanced age.

c. "Visits to the dentist are costly."

Regular, routine attendance for full checks ups with the dentist and professional cleaning with the hygienist helps to prevent the onset and progression of oral health problems. This is more cost effective than irregular attendance and waiting until there is a problem, which often leads to more complex and costly treatment.

Describe a typical day at work.

In a typical day at work in the Umm Suqeim clinic I will see a mixed bag of patient’s with a variety of challenges. Dubai is a dynamic and fluid environment with people from all over the world living, working or travelling through. This presents an opportunity to meet many interesting people from many different backgrounds.

As a dentist, what is the biggest problem you see in oral healthcare today?

The provision and uptake of oral healthcare among society is mismatched and imbalanced in terms of need.

What is your philosophy on how oral health relates to overall body health?

A healthy smile is synonymous with an increased quality of life and general sense of wellbeing.

Are there any special tricks or tools you use to help give your patients a positive experience in your practice?

I adopt a relaxed, informal approach to dentistry. Communication is key and good listening is paramount. I use plain English when explaining the who, what, why, when, where, how and how much. I am a firm believer and advocate of pain free dentistry.

For oral hygiene to be effective, what do you usually advise your patients?

I recommend twice daily brushing for 2 minutes each time. Use of a medium or soft bristle brush, not forgetting the gums and in between the teeth.

What is your work mantra/motto?

We all have teeth and even if we don’t, we still need a dentist!

Why did you choose to work for Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic?

Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinics are world class. Dr. Michael’s has created idyllic sanctuaries for dental care with complete focus on people. I am very privileged to be working with such esteemed colleagues in such beautiful surroundings.

Staff support and opportunities to grow and develop within the group are second to none.

What are your working hours?

I cover most weekday evenings and my surgery is open every Saturday and Sunday for the convenience of my patients.

To book an appointment with Dr. Zia, contact Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic today.