From a young age, many of us are asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” For Dr. Suren, the answer wasn’t clear-cut. Reflecting on his path to becoming a dentist, he shares, “To be honest, this question gets to me to this date. Dentistry chose to pursue me, and I’m glad it did. We’re friends now.”
A Journey of Perseverance and Passion
Dr Suren’s journey from dental school to his current practice is one of perseverance and passion. “Pretty much the usual route everyone takes, except that I wasn’t really one for studying or mugging up my revision notes,” he says. Despite setbacks, including retaking his foundation in science after a mishap during his A Levels, Dr Suren successfully completed his dental program and proudly claimed the title of dentist. His practice philosophy centres on a holistic approach. “Anything involving the oral cavity, which is the gateway to our system, affects the entire human body. Therefore, any dental treatment done should include consideration of the after-effects on the entire human body,” he explains. This belief ensures that all treatments involve materials acceptable to the body and consider the patient’s physical, mental, and spiritual outcomes.
Transforming Lives, One Smile at a Time
For Dr Suren, the rewards of being a dentist extend beyond financial gains. “Dentistry is a life-changing endeavour, especially seeing the contentment on a patient’s face after receiving their smile correction,” he shares. One particularly memorable case involved a patient in his 40s, whose smile makeover dramatically improved his confidence and professional life. “Close to four years ago, we delivered his new smile, and till date, he reaches out to update me on the persistent compliments about his teeth!”
Ensuring a comfortable and stress-free experience for patients is paramount. “The pivotal point in the dental sector is creating a bond between patient and doctor, building a sense of belonging every time a patient steps into my practice,” he says. This approach not only alleviates anxiety but also ensures patient retention.
Embracing Innovations in Dentistry
Staying updated with the latest advancements in dental technology is crucial for Dr Suren. He attends courses and conferences held by local and international organizers to keep pace with evolving techniques and technologies. However, he believes that the basics should always be kept at heart, as some of the best work done by the forefathers of dentistry remains intact. “Technology should be supplementary to that,” he asserts.
One recent innovation integrated into his practice is the use of affordable intraoral scanners. “These have enabled us to improve chair time and patient comfort, which is our priority. Let’s just say Sinaran is upgrading!”
Balancing Career, Fitness, and Passion
Balancing a demanding career with a fitness routine is no small feat, but for Dr Suren, fitness is like breathing—a need. “Regardless of how busy I am or how tough a day I experience, hitting the gym has always been my outlet for stress relief,” he says. This commitment to fitness has sharpened his focus, attention span, consistency, and discipline, which translates to enhanced professional performance.
Outdoor activities, though less frequent, add a twist to his routine. “The occasional hike for a sunrise or a dip in the pool contributes to my overall well-being and work-life balance,” he notes.
A Love for Cars
Dr Suren’s passion for cars began in childhood with Hot Wheels toys and has grown into a deep appreciation for automotive engineering. At 27, he acquired his first coupe, a Japanese-built classic, and since then, he has explored German, American, and British engineering. While he prefers more techy cars over classics, he acknowledges the priceless value of classic cars.
Finding time for his car hobby amidst professional and personal commitments is a priority. “I’m a staunch believer in finding time for your passions. In my case, the automotive department is a form of motivation to work harder!” he says, humorously adding that targeting a Porsche requires more hours in the clinic.
A Day in the Life
A typical day for Dr Suren starts with a double shot of coffee and a 30-minute gym session, followed by dental appointments for a maximum of four hours. He then heads back to the gym for a second session before spending a few hours relaxing, watching his favourite shows, and replying to client messages. “As for car-related activities, that goes on throughout my entire day,” he laughs.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle alongside his dental practice involves embracing discipline. “A healthy lifestyle should be a necessity, not a convenience,” he emphasizes. Overcoming challenges and staying motivated boils down to surpassing mental barriers. “Discipline takes the driver’s seat, and motivation rides passenger here on out. With this mindset, we are close to unbreakable!”
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Dr Suren plans to establish his current practices, groom his associates, and further equip them with better facilities. While expansion is on his mind, he acknowledges the need for more time. “But a five-year plan is always in mind. Let’s see what the future has in store for us!”
On a personal level, his fitness goal is simple: maintain his current lifestyle and continue looking as good as he does now. He also plans to indulge more in traveling and seeing the world. As for his passion for cars, the journey never ends. “Blame the Germans and Japs! They keep coming up with new f ancy stuff it’s hard to resist,” he chuckles, adding that a supercar might be on the horizon, along with more tattoos.
Dr Suren’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and finding a balance between work and personal interests. His holistic approach to dentistry, commitment to fitness, and love for cars make him a truly inspiring figure in the dental community.
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