The overhead light shined brightly from above, illuminating the dentist working over him. Though slack-jawed and under mild anesthesia, junior Derrick Han watched the dentist work in curiosity as he lay on the dental chair. Noticing the way the dentist worked his tools in a practiced and methodical fashion, Han realized that this was where his passions lay.
“It was pretty fascinating to feel a surgeon working on my teeth,” Han said. “I don’t know if this is a broad way to describe it, but I feel like dentistry is a type of art. Just watching the precision and the surgeon, who has so much confidence and experience that they know that they’re making the right cut, is super amazing.”
Generally, applicants are required to go through an application process with the Silicon Valley Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery office manager to become an intern. However, Han, following a dental appointment, spoke about his passion to the surgeon, securing an invitation to the office for a day as a trial day.
Before being able to work at SVOMS, Han had to train at an outside program to learn the skills required to handle the specialized tools and properly assist the dentists. While he was training, he helped the doctor, checked patients in and shadowed surgeons and anesthesiologists. After acquiring his x-ray and sterilization certification, he aided in the cleaning process and helped sanitize tools. Most importantly, he was able to get much more access to viewing surgeries.
Han generally goes to the office once a week after school. His day as an intern starts by changing into his gown, gloves and other protective equipment. He then has a priority list which he goes through, involving helping patients prepare for surgery by doing tasks such as taking their blood pressure and x-rays, picking up calls and scheduling appointments and assisting with surgeries. In the case that he completes all his tasks, he often uses his extra time to watch oral surgeries.
“I love watching surgeries,” Han said. “I know it can get pretty scary, but I like the fact that everything about the surgery is for a patient’s better health. Watching the surgery and anesthesiologists go through the surgical process is the most enlightening part.”
Surgeries, to him, are particularly interesting for their unpredictability, importance and high stakes, especially those with general anesthesia.
“The first time experiencing that was really eye-opening,” Han said. “And it’s not as easy as you might think. Patients don’t just lie there. Sometimes, they move unconsciously. The surgeon had to be able to adapt to those circumstances. It was really, really amazing.”
While working in the office, Han was able to pick up many skills outside of dentistry, including speaking with people in a professional manner and handling the day-to-day life of a professional environment.
“You have to learn a lot of observation and adaptation skills in a professional workplace, and I came to learn that the hard way,” Han said. “The surgeon I work with is strict and blunt, so when I asked her about something while she was in a big hurry, she ignored me and told me to get out of her way. I realized I needed to know how to be more efficient and helpful. When you realize that you’re actually in a professional setting working, you really can’t mess up.”
Han’s friends have been inspired by his story and ambitious achievement.
“The fact that he’s following his passion makes me want to do the same because I know he really enjoys what he does, and that’s what I strive to do as well,” junior and Han’s friend Tanush Agrawal said.
Through this experience, Han was able to learn many things about himself and his interests.
“Before, I didn’t really have a clear idea of where I was going to go, and this definitely made it more clear,” Han said. “I feel like you come to like the things you’re around the most. After spending two summers and two school years familiarizing myself with everything, I came to like it a lot.
