Throught the Keyhole--Surgery: Dr Michael Tang

ABOUT THE DENTIST

Introduce yourself and tell us what made you pursue a career in dentistry.
My name is Dr Michael Tang, and I am a general dentist with a special interest in dental implants and cosmetic dentistry. I pursued a career in dentistry because I was always interested in science and art; I am a very hands-on person and enjoy working with people, so dentistry naturally fits the bill!

If you hadn’t become a dentist, what job do you think you would have had?
Probably be a chef. But I would be mixing science with cooking, like Heston Blumenthal.

Which university did you study at, and what qualifications do you have?
I qualified from Glasgow University with a bachelor of dental surgery with commendation in 2002. I attained the membership of General Dental Practitioners from the faculty of General Dental Practice five years later.

In 2012, I attained a postgraduate diploma in aesthetic dental implantology from the University of Central Lancashire. And in 2013 I obtained the master’s qualification.

What are your particular interests and skills in dentistry?
Dental implantology, with a particular interest in digital implantology. Implants are placed digitally using CAD/CAM technology and surgical guides are 3D-printed in-house. I also blend the digital workflow with other aspects of dentistry, such as orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry.

Who’s had the biggest influence in your career?
Professionally, many people have had an influence in my career, but my VT trainers. taught me to be professional and ethical. Nonprofessionally, my parents and my wife.

What’s your favourite procedure to carry out?
Removal of teeth and immediately placing implants with an immediate crown.

What could you not work without?
This has changed throughout my career, but currently it’s my CBCT scanner.

Are you involved in any organisations or societies?
I’ve been involved with the Glasgow Local Dental Committee and the West of Scotland division of the Faculty of General Dental Practice, but because of work commitments I had to resign from the committees. I’m a dental practice inspector for the Forth Valley Board and have been since 2007.

What are your interests outside of dentistry?
Cars and watches. But dentistry takes up most of my time! Monday to Saturday is clinical time, and Sunday is for admin.

What’s the biggest problem or challenge in dentistry today?
Uncertainty about the future of NHS dentistry.

What’s the biggest advancement you have seen in dentistry in your career?
Digital dentistry has grown exponentially over the past few years, and has advanced so much that I suspect most dentists will be using CBCT scanners and/or intraoral scanners in 10 years’ time.

What would you like to see change in dentistry in the next 10 years?
Although 99 percent of my daily practice is private, I would like NHS dentistry to be simplified and streamlined, so that patients and dentists understand what treatments are available and what are not, and to cut down the number of items in the current SDR.

Describe the most successful or rewarding experience in your professional life.
I can’t name any particular experience, but I can honestly say that every implant surgery is rewarding and I get a kick out of carrying out surgery. Otherwise, I wouldn’t do it six days a week!!

ABOUT THE TEAM

Do you work alongside other dentists?
I work in seven different clinics, alongside 20 associates and 45 DCPs.

What do you think are the most important things about your team?
Communication and teamwork. Being open with ideas and the willingness to ‘scratch each other’s backs’.

Do you have team meetings? If so, what format do they take?
All clinics have regular open-forum team meetings to discuss all aspects of the practice.

ABOUT THE PRACTICE

What’s is the name of your practice and where is it? How is it laid out— what’s the workflow like?
Kalyani Dental Lounge, 200 Bath St., Glasgow City Centre. It is a small boutique clinic, with a heavy emphasis on quality treatment in a very relaxed environment.

What sets your practice apart from others?
A relaxed atmosphere—always smells nice—and with the friendliest team members. Whether you want a coffee whilst waiting or a session on the massage chair, the team is happy to help.

How do you market your practice?
Facebook and Google. We recently became a featured practice on Defacto Dentists, too. We accept referrals for CBCT scans, dental surgery and dental implants, so our internet presence is very important to us.

What are you most proud of about your practice?
Being able to offer the best treatment in the most relaxing environment. When you walk into the clinic, it feels like walking into not a dental practice, but more like a hotel.