<p>We spoke to British Dental Surgeon, Zia Ul Haq, who is from Birmingham in England. Zia has been practicing in sunny Muscat, Oman since 2015 and has prior experience in Dubai, UAE. In this interview, Zia describes a day in his life, talks about stargazing in <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/oman-license-need-know" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oman</a> during camping season and explains how dentistry allows him to combine his love of science with creativity.</p>
<h2>Can you tell us about your occupation?</h2>
<p>I work in one of 3 clinics belonging to the group. I practice general dentistry with a special interest in complex endodontics and anterior aesthetic dentistry. </p>
<h2>Why did you choose to become a dental surgeon?</h2>
<p>Dentistry allows me to use my love of science and creativity. I have met many wonderful people through the work I do. </p>
<h2>What do you love most about being a dental surgeon?</h2>
<p>Making a real difference to people’s lives is what makes it worthwhile. Dentistry has allowed me to travel all over the world and has given me an amazing quality of life and work: life balance. </p>
<h2>Can you describe what a day in your life looks like?</h2>
<p>A typical day involves seeing routine recall examinations and maintenance therapy patients. We often see emergency pain cases and broken teeth. I get referrals for complex root canals and re-root canal treatments. </p>
<h2>What are your hobbies outside of work?</h2>
<p>Muscat is a beautiful beach-lined city, with loads of cafés and restaurants. At weekends during camping season, I like to go into the Hajar Mountains, pitch a tent and <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/middle-east/oman/articles/the-best-places-to-go-stargazing-in-oman/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stargaze</a>. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/Zia-Ul-Haq-Interview.jpg" alt="Zia Ul Haq Dental Surgeon" class="wp-image-14258" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/Zia-Ul-Haq-Interview.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/Zia-Ul-Haq-Interview-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/Zia-Ul-Haq-Interview-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>
<h2>Why are dentistry and oral health so important?</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/world-oral-health-day/">Oral health</a> is important as it can affect our general health and wellbeing. Medical science is discovering links between poor gum health and diabetes, stroke, heart disease and cancer. My clinic spreads awareness by posting public service announcement videos on social media platforms, special offers and discounts to raise oral health awareness and encourage attendance. </p>
<p>Apart from causing gum disease and dental cavities, an unhealthy mouth can lead to preventable pain, unsightly appearance and malodor. </p>
<p>To ensure a healthy mouth, apart from brushing twice daily, eat a healthy, balanced diet. Attend the dentist and hygienist regularly every 6 months to ensure oral health. </p>
<h2>Are dentists trained to deal with the effects of ‘dentophobia’, the fear of dentists?</h2>
<p>‘Dentophobia’ is common and leads to poor and irregular attendance at the dental office and can lead to preventable pain, early loss of teeth and costly, complex treatments. </p>
<p>Today’s dentists are better trained and better equipped to deal with common causes of fear, anxiety and phobia associated with the dental office. Talk to your dentist openly about these if you have them and ask how they can help! </p>
<h2>Would you recommend a career as a dental surgeon?</h2>
<p>I would recommend people consider a career in dentistry. It is very challenging and rewarding. Admittedly, it’s not for everyone, but if one is bright, has a passion for the sciences, likes to work with people, and is creative, it is a good choice. </p>
<h2>What would you consider your biggest achievement?</h2>
<p>My biggest achievement was writing and completing my first book.</p>
<h2>Do you think a work-life balance is important?</h2>
<p>Work-life balance is crucial. It takes time, effort and sacrifices to achieve it. Once you have it, never let it go. </p>
<h2>What did you dream of doing when you were a child?</h2>
<p>I can’t remember what I wanted to grow up to do when I was a child. I just reveled in the moment, was happy, playing, climbing and having fun. </p>
<h2>Do you plan to move elsewhere or pursue a different specialty?</h2>
<p>Currently, I am very content in Muscat. I would like to live and work in Saudi Arabia when I reach my twilight years in dentistry.</p>
<h2>How has TrueProfile.io helped you with your career? </h2>
<p>I would recommend TrueProfile to colleagues and friends. It is a great way to store all your professional documents, including professional qualification certificates, Prometric, Dataflow, primary source verification and CV, making finding and applying for jobs internationally much easier.</p>
<h4>Just like Zia, sign up to TrueProfile.io now to get all these amazing benefits!</h4>
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