How Well Do We Know People in Our Community?

Our Own Dentist in Town   Manjima Sony

“I grew up in Kerala, South India, with my parents and two sisters. Kerala is a little like the North Island of New Zealand. Situated on the Malabar Coast, it has a tropical climate, canals, rivers, beautiful beaches, mountains, and lots of green spaces. 

When I was growing up and thinking about what I would like to do I thought I might become a mechanic because I loved fixing things. But several years later when it was time for me to choose between training to be a GP or a dentist, it was an easy choice. After I had finished my Bachelor of Dental Surgery, I worked in India and Singapore in large multi- specialty practices. I gained a lot of experience working with world renowned specialists.

In 2010 Otago University was offering a bridging programme. The first thing I noticed in Dunedin was the cold. The concept of layering more clothes in an effort to keep warm was a definite learning experience. 

After Dunedin I worked in Carterton for 5 years, before setting up my own practice in Greytown in 2016. We were the first Wairarapa practice to go digital with 3 D scanning and crowns. It is fantastic that the changes in technology mean that you can now crown or bridge a tooth all in the same day. It is so much more convenient for the patient, and they love watching their crowns being made.

The Wairarapa seemed like a good choice for our family. I love living in small towns where people are so friendly, kind, and helpful. The lifestyle is also more relaxed.

One day I was repairing a child’s tooth in my Greytown practice. The family had come up from Lake Ferry. I realised they had travelled a huge distance for treatment. I thought how much easier it would be for them to come to Martinborough. So that night while I was cooking dinner, I registered my second practice in Martinborough and leased the old I-site building. It was a perfect choice. It is now fully refurbished. My equipment has been purchased from all over the world; Germany Switzerland, Japan, and Scandinavia to name a few.

I have always had a passion for people. I want people to come in and feel welcome. I like to get to know my patients so they can feel comfortable when they receive treatment. It also gives me the opportunity to sometimes offer advice. With so many people having busy lives nutrition affecting the teeth can be forgotten. Some products hide the damage they do to teeth. Soft sugary drinks are obvious, but energy bars and trail mix can also cause harm.

I am also passionate about keeping on learning, so that I can keep up with the latest techniques.” 

And what is the first thing that Manjima notices when she meets new people. “Why, she answered It is the teeth of course. That is what I do.”