What is it that dentists love about their career? We hear from Dr Frank Farrelly and Dr Philippa Sawyer
This February we wanted to celebrate love not just on Valentine’s Day, but all month long. We wanted to know what Australian dentists such as Dr Farrelly and Dr Sawyer love about their job. Here’s what we found……
Dr Frank Farrelly said:
I am a dentist based in Darlinghurst, Sydney. A really rewarding part of my job is getting patients out of pain and changing their habits to ensure that they don’t end up in pain again in the future.
However, the part of my job that I love the most is when I have a patient that is shy or self-conscious about their teeth. They tend to hide them, even talking to dentists, just due to habit. They rarely smile as they have trained themselves not to. After a course of treatment to improve their teeth it is amazing to see them return for their check-up 6 months later with a big broad smile. They don’t know that they no longer hide their smile, but we do. They feel and look happier.
The biggest change tends to be with mild cosmetic problems of the front teeth, such as fluorosis. This is usually a simple fix with a small composite bonding. Another is teenagers with a mild malocclusion that are getting teased at school. After orthodontic treatment, their self-confidence increases immensely.
And that is what healthcare is all about, improving people’s lives.
Dr Philippa Sawyer, Australian Dental Association Oral Health Committee member says:
I love the opportunity to interact with children every work day. They all have a unique personality displaying individual characteristics.
Children generally are energetic, creative, entertaining, humorous, imaginative, resilient, trusting and vulnerable all rolled into one package. Parents trust me to interact with their children in a safe and accepting environment to provide care, both preventive and restorative, in a considerate and thoughtful way. It is a trust that I take very seriously and enjoy immensely.
About the contributors
Dr Frank Farrelly is the principal dentist in Darlinghurst Dental, co-owning the practice with Shannon Richards. He has worked as a general dentist in a number of different practices, whether small or large, private and NHS in the UK. He enjoys the many varied dining experiences and music acts available in Darlinghurst. For more information visit Darlinghurst Dental.
Dr Philippa Sawyer BDS(USyd) MA(UTS) GradCert Pediatric Dentistry (NYU) MECH (MQ) PGradCertHigher Education (Teaching and Learning) (MQ) FICD, FIADT
Fellow, American Academy Pediatric Dentistry, Diplomate ABPD, graduated BDS from Sydney University in 1984 and continued with private general practice until 1996. She completed her post-graduate training at NYU in January 2001. From 2004 – 2016, she served as a full-time Specialist Paediatric Dental Practice in Crows Nest. She is a member of the Australian Dental Association’s Oral Health Committee. Dr Sawyer has three children, three grandchildren and another one on the way. She enjoys knitting and trekking, regularly embarking on extended treks at home and abroad.
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