• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Call Mount E Orchard +65 6734 9393

Call Gleneagles +65 6471 5150

English

Specialist Dental Group's team of leading dental specialists in Singapore have decades of experience in providing comprehensive solutions to patients.

book now
ENQUIRE

  • SERVICES
        • Teeth Replacement & Cosmetic Dentistry
          • Dental Implants
          • Trefoil™ Dental Implants
          • All-on-4 Dental Implants
          • Dental Crowns
          • Dental Bridges
          • Dentures
          • Cosmetic Dentistry
          • Veneers
          • Teeth Whitening
        • Gum Treatment
          • Gum Treatment
          • Gummy Smile Treatment
          • Gum Grafting
        • Oral Surgery & Reconstructive Dentistry
          • Wisdom Tooth Surgery
          • Jaw Surgery
          • Oral Biopsy & Cyst Removal
          • Bone Grafting
          • Sinus Lift
          • Tongue Tie Surgery
          • Reduction of Square Jaw
        • Teeth & Bite Alignment
          • Braces Treatment
          • Invisalign
        • Root Canal Treatment
          • Root Canal Treatment
        • Children’s Dentistry
          • Children’s Dentistry
        • Other Services
          • TMJ (Jaw Joint) Treatment
          • Dental Check-up
          • Dental Emergencies
          • Scaling & Polishing (Teeth Cleaning)
          • Composite Bonding
          • Pre-Surgery Assessment
          • Sleep Apnea
          • Geriatric Care
          • Xerostomia
  • PATIENT INFORMATION
        • We’ve Got You Covered
          • CPF Medisave Claims
          • CHAS | Pioneer Generation Package
          • Financial Arrangement
          • Personal Data Protection Act
        • Pre-Visit Information
          • Pre-registration Form
          • International Patients
        • Frequently Asked Questions
          • We answer some of the most common questions on dental treatment and more.
  • MULTISPECIALTY DENTAL TEAM
        • Prosthodontics
          • Dr Steven Soo
          • Dr Tan Kian Meng
          • Dr Edwin Tan
          • Dr Neo Tee Khin
          • Dr Ansgar C. Cheng
        • Periodontics Treatment in Singapore
          • Dr Helena Lee
          • Dr Daylene Leong
          • Dr Ben Wang
        • Endodontics
          • Dr Irene Sim
        • Orthodontics
          • Dr Soh Shean Han
          • Dr May Ling Eide
        • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
          • Dr Ho Kok Sen
        • Paedodontics
          • Dr Tabitha Chng
        • Dental Staff
  • About
        • About
          • Our Vision & Mission
          • Our History
          • Why Us
          • Our Facilities
          • Our Community
        • Media Room
          • Media Coverage
          • Dentist Blog
          • Activities
        • Careers
          • Join Us
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT US
        • Get In Touch
          • Make An Appointment
          • Enquiry With Us
        • Our Locations
  • BOOK NOW
  • ENQUIRE

  • SERVICES
    • Teeth Replacement & Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Dental Implants
      • Trefoil™ Dental Implants
      • All-on-4 Dental Implants
      • Dental Crowns
      • Dental Bridges
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
    • Gum Treatment
      • Gum Treatment
      • Gum Grafting
      • Gummy Smile Treatment
    • Oral Surgery & Reconstructive Dentistry
      • Wisdom Tooth Surgery
      • Jaw Surgery
      • Oral Biopsy & Cyst Removal
      • Bone Grafting
      • Sinus Lift
      • Tongue Tie Surgery
      • Reduction of Square Jaw
    • Teeth & Bite Alignment
      • Braces Treatment
      • Invisalign
    • Root Canal Treatment
      • Root Canal Treatment
    • Children’s Dentistry
      • Children’s Dentistry
    • Other Services
      • TMJ (Jaw Joint) Treatment
      • Dental Check-up
      • Dental Emergencies
      • Scaling & Polishing (Teeth Cleaning)
      • Composite Bonding
      • Pre-Surgery Assessment
      • Sleep Apnea
      • Geriatric Care
      • Xerostomia
  • PATIENT INFORMATION
    • We’ve Got You Covered
      • CPF Medisave Claims
      • CHAS | Pioneer Generation Package
      • Financial Arrangement
      • Personal Data Protection Act
    • Pre-Visit Information
      • Pre-registration Form
      • International Patients
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • We answer some of the most common questions on dental treatment and more.
  • MULTISPECIALTY DENTAL TEAM
    • Prosthodontics
      • Dr Steven Soo
      • Dr Tan Kian Meng
      • Dr Edwin Tan
      • Dr Neo Tee Khin
      • Dr Ansgar C. Cheng
    • Orthodontics
      • Dr Soh Shean Han
      • Dr May Ling Eide
    • Periodontics Treatment in Singapore
      • Dr Helena Lee
      • Dr Daylene Leong
      • Dr Ben Wang
    • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
      • Dr Ho Kok Sen
    • Endodontics
      • Dr Irene Sim
    • Paedodontics
      • Dr Tabitha Chng
    • Dental Staff
  • About
    • About
      • Our Vision & Mission
      • Our History
      • Why Us
      • Our Facilities
      • Our Community
    • Media Room
      • Media Coverage
      • Dentist Blog
      • Activities
    • Careers
      • Join Us
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT US
    • Get In Touch
      • Make An Appointment
      • Enquiry With Us
    • Our Locations
  • SERVICES
        • Teeth Replacement & Cosmetic Dentistry
          • Dental Implants
          • Trefoil™ Dental Implants
          • All-on-4 Dental Implants
          • Dental Crowns
          • Dental Bridges
          • Dentures
          • Cosmetic Dentistry
          • Veneers
          • Teeth Whitening
        • Gum Treatment
          • Gum Treatment
          • Gummy Smile Treatment
          • Gum Grafting
        • Oral Surgery & Reconstructive Dentistry
          • Wisdom Tooth Surgery
          • Jaw Surgery
          • Oral Biopsy & Cyst Removal
          • Bone Grafting
          • Sinus Lift
          • Tongue Tie Surgery
          • Reduction of Square Jaw
        • Teeth & Bite Alignment
          • Braces Treatment
          • Invisalign
        • Root Canal Treatment
          • Root Canal Treatment
        • Children’s Dentistry
          • Children’s Dentistry
        • Other Services
          • TMJ (Jaw Joint) Treatment
          • Dental Check-up
          • Dental Emergencies
          • Scaling & Polishing (Teeth Cleaning)
          • Composite Bonding
          • Pre-Surgery Assessment
          • Sleep Apnea
          • Geriatric Care
          • Xerostomia
  • PATIENT INFORMATION
        • We’ve Got You Covered
          • CPF Medisave Claims
          • CHAS | Pioneer Generation Package
          • Financial Arrangement
          • Personal Data Protection Act
        • Pre-Visit Information
          • Pre-registration Form
          • International Patients
        • Frequently Asked Questions
          • We answer some of the most common questions on dental treatment and more.
  • MULTISPECIALTY DENTAL TEAM
        • Prosthodontics
          • Dr Steven Soo
          • Dr Tan Kian Meng
          • Dr Edwin Tan
          • Dr Neo Tee Khin
          • Dr Ansgar C. Cheng
        • Periodontics Treatment in Singapore
          • Dr Helena Lee
          • Dr Daylene Leong
          • Dr Ben Wang
        • Endodontics
          • Dr Irene Sim
        • Orthodontics
          • Dr Soh Shean Han
          • Dr May Ling Eide
        • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
          • Dr Ho Kok Sen
        • Paedodontics
          • Dr Tabitha Chng
        • Dental Staff
  • About
        • About
          • Our Vision & Mission
          • Our History
          • Why Us
          • Our Facilities
          • Our Community
        • Media Room
          • Media Coverage
          • Dentist Blog
          • Activities
        • Careers
          • Join Us
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT US
        • Get In Touch
          • Make An Appointment
          • Enquiry With Us
        • Our Locations
  • BOOK NOW
  • ENQUIRE

Straits Times, December 17, 2009: ST MYB Facial works (zh)

This article first appeared in the December 17, 2009 issue of the Straits Times. We have reproduced it for the information of those of you who missed it when it was published.

Dr.Ho Kok Sen, 37, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with the Specialist Dental Group at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, tells POON CHIAN HUI why he enjoys putting people’s faces back together

I decided to specialise in oral-maxillofacial surgery because…
I get to disassemble and reassemble stuff – something I’ve enjoyed since I was a child when I spent hours on my planes and WWII soldier models. When I did not have enough money to buy new ones, I would take the existing models apart and put them back together again. Similarly, in the oral cavity, I get to take out broken or decayed teeth and replace them with dental implants. In the facial region, I get to move the jaws around and put them together to give new form and function. I also get to fix jaw segments together when patients fracture them during a road traffic accident or a fall.

The jaws are fascinating because…
They give form and function to the face. People in the fashion industry talk about jaw lines. People in the food industry talk about jaw strength. However, jaws without teeth give you neither any form nor function. So, maintaining a good set of teeth sets the stage for a fabulous
smile and nice jaw line.

If I were to give an analogy for what I do, I would be a…
Handyman. I piece things together to fix people’s teeth so they function again. I also make sure things are working as they should be.

I have come across all types of cases…
They range from a child with a thumb-tack stuck in his tongue to big jaw cysts requiring removal and reconstruction. I have also had cases where patients came straight from the airport to the hospital due to airway obstruction caused by the swelling due to an infected tooth.
I also take care of impacted wisdom teeth, place dental implants and perform jaw surgery.

A typical day for me would be…
I wake up at 7am to play with my two-year-old daughter before she heads to playschool and I spend some time with my six-month-old son before I leave for work, which starts at 8.30am. The day is divided between consultations and surgery. I also teach dental undergraduates and
graduate dentists at the National University of Singapore. I usually head home at 6pm to spend time with my children and wife, 33, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. I may work some nights at the Accident & Emergency department of the Parkway Group Hospitals, such as Gleneagles Hospital.

I love patients who are…
Appreciative of what I try to do for them. Many of my patients have become my friends. The doctor-patient relationship is not about authority – it is forged on mutual respect and understanding.

Patients who get my goat are…
Those who have genuine dental needs but forgot the opportunity to have treatment that could improve their health and lifestyle.

One little known fact about wisdom tooth surgery is…
It can be a painless procedure and post-surgery recovery can be smooth and pain-free too. You can eat after surgery and, in fact, we encourage our patients to consume cold beverages and desserts because they are more soothing to the oral cavity and oral wounds.

As the surgical site as well as the lips and/or tongue may still be feeling numb from the anaesthesia administered, consuming warm or hot foods may pose risks of burning or irritation to the areas concerned.

Things that put a smile on my face are…
When a patient’s smile is restored successfully and I can see the change in his confidence and attitude at subsequent visits.

It breaks my heart when…
Patients do not know that there are solutions available for virtually any debilitating dental conditions, thanks to technological advances.

I would not trade places for the world because…
I enjoy the assembling work that comes with this career. What’s more, I get to see the tremendous positive impact my work can have on a person’s life.

My best tip…
Remove your wisdom teeth before they start to give you problems. Prevention is better than cure. Take care of your teeth well and they will be with you longer.

Stay in Touch

Subscribe to our mailing list for more tidbits on dental health and all the latest news.

Loading

Have a question?

Phone
Mount Elizabeth Clinic
+65 6734 9393
Gleneagles Clinic
+65 6471 5150

Drop us a note at
info@specialistdentalgroup.com

Dental Emergency

Please contact us directly at the emergency contact number on your dentist’s card, or the Mount Elizabeth A&E department at +65 6731 2218, or Gleneagles A&E department at +65 6470 5700.

Footer

Navigation

Services

  • Trefoil™ Dental Implants
  • All-on-4 Dental Implants
  • Braces Treatment in Singapore
  • Composite Bonding
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Dental Crowns
  • Gum Treatment
  • Gummy Smile Treatment
  • Invisalign
  • Reduction of Square Jaw
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Veneers
  • Bone Grafting
  • Natural Dental Tooth Bridge
  • Children’s Dentistry
  • Dental Check-up
  • Dental Emergencies
  • Dental Fillings
  • Dental Implants in Singapore
  • Gum Grafting
  • Geriatric Care
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Missing Teeth
  • Oral Biopsy & Cyst Removal
  • Pre-Surgery Assessment
  • Reduction of Square Jaw
  • Root Canal Treatment
  • Scaling & Polishing (Teeth Cleaning)
  • Sinus Lift
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Teeth Whitening
  • TMJ (Jaw Joint) Treatment
  • Trefoil™ Dental Implants
  • Tongue Tie Surgery
  • Wisdom Tooth Surgery in Singapore
  • Xerostomia

Patient Information

  • CPF Medisave Claims
  • CHAS | Pioneer Generation Package
  • Financial Arrangement
  • Personal Data Protection Act
  • Pre-registration Form
  • International Patients
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Multispecialty Team

  • Prosthodontics
    • Dr Steven Soo
    • Dr Tan Kian Meng
    • Dr Edwin Tan
    • Dr Neo Tee Khin
    • Dr Ansgar C. Cheng
  • Orthodontics
    • Dr Soh Shean Han
    • Dr May Ling Eide
  • Periodontics Treatment in Singapore
    • Dr Helena Lee
    • Dr Daylene Leong
    • Dr Ben Wang
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
    • Dr Ho Kok Sen
  • Endodontics
    • Dr Irene Sim
  • Paedodontics
    • Dr Tabitha Chng
  • Dental Staff

About

  • Our Vision & Mission
  • Our History
  • Why Us
  • Our Facilities
  • Our Community
  • Media Coverage
  • Dentist blog
  • Activities
  • Join Us

Blog

Contact

  • Make An Appointment
  • Enquiry With Us
  • Our Locations

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • English

Copyright © 2023 Specialist Dental Group®. All Rights Reserved.