In Conversation With: A Filipino Dental Nurse in Saudi Arabia
<p>Filipino Dental Nurse, Jamila Cuaresma, spoke to us about why she decided to move to Saudi Arabia, her reasons for pursuing a healthcare career and the negative effects of an unhealthy mouth.</p> <h2>Hi Jamila! Thanks for speaking with us. Please introduce yourself to our readers.</h2> <p>My name is Jamila Cuaresma. I am a dental nurse from the Philippines and I have been working and living in <a href="https://scfhs.org.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saudi Arabia</a> for the past 6 years. For work, I assist the dentist and prepare whatever they need to carry out treatment on a patient. I decided to move overseas for life experiences and great opportunities.</p> <h2>What do you love most about being a dental nurse?</h2> <p>I love communicating with my patients and letting them know how the treatment is going. I also get great satisfaction when patients are happy with their treatment.</p> <p><strong>Here are 3 ways an unhealthy mouth can impact our lives:</strong></p> <ol><li>You subject yourself to many infections that can also spread to other organs. For example, infected endocarditis.</li><li>You can subject yourself to malnutrition like vitamin and fiber deficiency.</li><li>Losing teeth and bad breath affect communication and appearance.</li></ol> <p></p> <p><strong>It&#8217;s really important that you:</strong></p> <ol><li>Flossing is as important as brushing</li><li>Use toothpaste with fluoride</li><li>Limit sugar intake, including sugary drinks.</li><li>See your dentist twice a year</li><li>Don’t forget to clean your tongue</li><li>Maintain a healthy diet</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/2022/05/Jamila-1.jpg" alt="Jamila Dental Nurse" class="wp-image-15238" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/05/Jamila-1.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/05/Jamila-1-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/05/Jamila-1-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure> <h2>Do you have any advice for those who don’t enjoy going to the dentist?</h2> <p>This can be overcome by seeing the dentist on a more gradual basis. Patients need to be reminded about the importance of visiting the dentist to maintain good oral health. It’s important to visit your dentist at least twice a year.</p> <h2>Why is oral health such an important topic?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/world-oral-health-day" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oral health</a> is a key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life. Normally, the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control.</p> <h2>Why did you choose to work in healthcare?</h2> <p>I find that healthcare is an excellent match for my strength and personality.&nbsp;</p> <h2>Can you describe a typical day as a dental nurse?</h2> <p>I start my day by checking our appointments and seeing what procedures are scheduled for the day. Next, I go and prepare the instruments and materials needed for the day. I am in charge of ensuring that everything is set before we begin procedures or treatments.</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/2022/05/Jamila-2.jpg" alt="Jamila Dental Nurse" class="wp-image-15237" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/05/Jamila-2.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/05/Jamila-2-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/05/Jamila-2-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure> <h2>How do you like to spend your free time?</h2> <p>I like to spend my time reading different patient cases and studying various procedures.&nbsp;</p> <h2>What is your biggest achievement?</h2> <p>After 6 years of working as a dental nurse, I have learned a lot and enhanced my <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/training" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">knowledge and skills</a> about oral health.</p> <h2>What are your thoughts on a healthy work-life balance?</h2> <p>Maintaining a work-life balance helps reduce stress and prevent burnout in the workplace.</p> <h2>Did you want to become a dental nurse when you were a child?</h2> <p>I wanted to work in a big restaurant cooking fancy food.</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/2022/05/Jamila-3.jpg" alt="Jamila Dental Nurse" class="wp-image-15236" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/05/Jamila-3.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/05/Jamila-3-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/05/Jamila-3-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure> <h2>Do you plan to remain working as a dental nurse?</h2> <p>I want to grow within a company where I can continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as much value to the team as possible. I have plans to move country and work in a big hospital.</p> <h2>How has TrueProfile.io helped you with your career?</h2> <p>TrueProfile.io gave me the opportunity to apply to the best company, so, yes, I 100% recommend them!</p> <h4>Hear from your fellow TrueProfile.io Members:</h4> <div class="is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons"> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background" href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/category/member-interviews" style="border-radius:50px;background-color:#00497a;color:#f5f5f5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read Member stories</a></div> </div>