<p>We spoke to Indian Orthodontist, business owner and continual knowledge-seeker, Dr. Rahul Rochani about all things dentistry. Dr. Rochani’s biggest achievement is when his patients are comfortable, thankful and most importantly, smiling! We find out about how to keep our mouths sparkling, dentophobia and the darker side of neglecting your oral health. </p>
<h2>Thanks for speaking with us, Dr. Rochani! Please introduce yourself to our readers. </h2>
<p>My name is Dr. Rahul Rochani. I am from Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, known as the ‘Heart of India’. Bhopal is also called the City of Lakes. Currently, we have the best railway station in the country and marvelous scenic beauty. I established my practice, ‘Sparkle Dental Hub’, a decade ago in a prime location in Bhopal.</p>
<p>I am an Indian Orthodontist and Cosmetic Dental Surgeon with 15+ years of clinical proficiency. In 2006, I completed my Bachelors in Dentistry from the prestigious <a href="https://www.tnmgrmu.ac.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University</a>. I graduated with honors of “The Best Outgoing Student of the Batch 2001” and subsequently completed my Masters in Orthodontics from <a href="https://www.ue.edu.ph/mla/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of the East, Philippines</a> and again was bestowed the “Highest Award of Excellence” of the MScD Program and “Summa Cum Laude”. Later, I completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Medico-Legal Systems from the <a href="https://www.siu.edu.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Symbiosis International University</a> and Fellowship in Oral Implantology, which is also a clinical research program.</p>
<h2>Please tell us what it’s like to work as an orthodontist.</h2>
<p>I am a full-time practicing orthodontist, specializing in dentofacial orthodontics and jaw orthopedics and I’m interested in temporary anchorage devices and cosmetic dentistry. Additionally, I visit a few clinics and hospitals around Bhopal as a specialist orthodontist. We deal with aligning crooked teeth to modulate the growth of the jaws in the growing age to avoid/ reduce the need for surgical intervention in later stages of life. Most of my clinic work includes general dentistry like endodontics, prosthodontics, implants and esthetic dentistry.</p>
<h2>Why did you choose to become a dentist?</h2>
<p>Since childhood, I wanted to become a doctor. I was not aware then that being good in life sciences in school would lead me to become an orthodontist. I was very efficient in arts (won many accolades) in school and most of my work now involves creativity, and I am thankful to almighty for the plans he had for me as I enjoy the work I do.</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/2022/04/15.4.22-Rahul-Rochani-2.jpg" alt="Dr. Rahul Rochani Dentist" class="wp-image-14248" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/15.4.22-Rahul-Rochani-2.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/15.4.22-Rahul-Rochani-2-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/15.4.22-Rahul-Rochani-2-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption>Dr. Rahul Rochani at work</figcaption></figure>
<h2>What do you love most about being an orthodontist?</h2>
<p>The smile on the patient’s face on seeing the final outcome after debonding (removing) the braces. One to two years of hard work leads to a lifetime of change on the patient’s face and self-esteem and boosts their confidence to a new level altogether. A healthy smile can truly transform our visual appearance, the positivity of our mindset and improve the health of our mouth and our body.</p>
<h2>Can you describe a day in your life?</h2>
<p>From hectic to relaxed on occasional days! Practice is now more customized which demands a proper explanation of the work I can deliver to the patient. </p>
<p>Expectations and outcomes have to be balanced based on many clinical factors like the nature of the problem and ways to address them while also considering the patient’s finances. Patience is a virtue in orthodontics for both the orthodontist and the patient.</p>
<h2>What do you like to do outside of work?</h2>
<p>Enjoy time with my family, cook, take a vacation, watch a movie or do absolutely nothing. I cycle a lot and am a nature enthusiast.</p>
<h2>Why is oral health such an important topic?</h2>
<p>The mouth is the mirror and gateway of the body. Not only does it tell us about the problems that can be related to general health, but your cardiac health can be related to gum disease. Our teeth have such an important role to play in our lives. They help us chew and digest food; they help us talk and speak clearly and give our jaw and face its shape. When we have gum disease, the bacteria from our mouth can get into the bloodstream. It then produces a protein that causes the blood to thicken. This means that clots are more likely to form, and the heart is not getting the nutrients and oxygen it needs resulting in an increased risk of a heart attack. Similarly, gum disease can also cause inflammation of the blood vessels, blocking the blood supply to the brain, leading to a potential stroke.</p>
<p>New research has also shown that we are more likely to develop diabetes if we have gum disease. I’ve seen patients developing cancer in the mouth due to a sharp tooth they have been ignoring for months. Good <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/world-oral-health-day#Rahul-Rochani" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oral health</a> can have so many wonderful life-changing benefits.</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/2022/04/15.4.22-Rahul-Rochani-4.jpg" alt="Dr. Rahul Rochani Indian Orthodontist" class="wp-image-14249" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/15.4.22-Rahul-Rochani-4.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/15.4.22-Rahul-Rochani-4-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/15.4.22-Rahul-Rochani-4-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>
<h2>How does your practice spread awareness of the importance of good oral health?</h2>
<p>We conduct free health checkup camps for the less privileged rural population and offer discounts on selective treatment for the in-house city clients to boost awareness and self-care for their oral health. We share patient education videos and distribute pamphlets.</p>
<h2>How can an unhealthy mouth impact our lives?</h2>
<p>The mouth is the gateway to the body, so bacteria from the teeth and gums can affect your overall health in more ways than one. Cardiac, respiratory and nervous systems may be affected by poor oral hygiene. Additionally, there is a greater risk of developing caries/decay or gum/periodontal problems leading to low self-esteem and poor social life. Interestingly, studies have shown that such conditions can cause premature birth in pregnant women and are linked to osteoarthritis.</p>
<h2>What are your top tips for maintaining a healthy mouth?</h2>
<ol><li>Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two-three minutes each time.</li><li>Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste under supervision.</li><li>Floss daily and use mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing. </li><li>Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if bristles are splayed or worn. </li><li>For me, the correct brushing technique and optimal pressure are essential! </li><li>Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings as recommended by your dentist.</li><li>Avoid tobacco use and harmful oral habits. Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks.</li></ol>
<p></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/2022/04/15.4.22-Rahul-Rochani-3.jpg" alt="Indian Orthodontist" class="wp-image-14250" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/15.4.22-Rahul-Rochani-3.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/15.4.22-Rahul-Rochani-3-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/04/15.4.22-Rahul-Rochani-3-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>
<h2>What are your top tips to help reduce anxiety or stress associated with a ‘fear of dentists’?</h2>
<p>Dentophobia does affect oral health to an extensive level by piling up the dental needs of the patient adding both more finances and appointments to be treated comprehensively at a later date.</p>
<p>Mild fear is best remedied by going to the dentist instead of avoiding it. This is known as exposure therapy. Also, the later you see your dentist, the more time your anxieties will build up in anticipation. </p>
<p>See the dentist at a less busy time of day, such as the morning hours, or ask for the first appointment. There will be fewer people and fewer tools making noises that could trigger your anxiety.</p>
<p>In the case of significant dental work, your dentist may offer you sedation so that you’re not awake during the procedure. However, we recommend bringing noise-canceling headphones or earphones with music to help relax the patient and ask a friend or a loved one to accompany the patient during the appointment. </p>
<p>Calm clinic interiors, such as dim lighting, also make patients more relaxed. Practice deep breathing and other meditation techniques to calm your nerves. Sometimes we prescribe anti-anxiety medications and anti-emetics to deal with such patients.</p>
<h2>Do you recommend a career in dentistry?</h2>
<p>If you are passionate about skills and creativity, thorough knowledge, and compassion for patients, please GO FOR IT! Dentistry is no longer about examining and prescribing medications like your physician. You need to be extra careful with patients when dealing with the most delicate part of their bodies.</p>
<h2>What is your biggest achievement?</h2>
<p>During my graduation, I won many academic accolades, including a “Gitanjali Mani Prize”, “Manali Ramakrishnan Prize”, and Ragas Trophy for General Medicine and Surgery. However, the best achievement is to ward off pain and swelling in a patient’s face who is comfortable and thankful for your services.</p>
<h2>Do you think a work-life balance is important?</h2>
<p>Indeed it is. It can sometimes be exhausting and hectic when you have to coordinate your mind and body (neck/back/hands) to do your work. But alternating patterns of relaxed and hectic work keep me going, and my weekends bring joy.</p>
<h2>What are your hopes for the future? </h2>
<p>I might be open to moving abroad for an enticing opportunity that may knock on my door in the future.</p>
<h2>How has TrueProfile.io helped you with your career?</h2>
<p>TrueProfile.io helped me a lot when I applied for opportunities in the Gulf region. It is one comprehensive portfolio that makes it easy to be assessed internationally and authenticates all your previous records. Yes! I would certainly recommend it.</p>
<h4>Like Dr. Rochani, you can submit your important documents for verification and boost your career overseas.</h4>
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