Specialist Dental Group has launched an on-going series of blog posts by our individual dental specialists. All views provided are the dentist’s own opinions and are posted on this blog as part of our on-going efforts to educate the public about dental issues and other matters of interest relating to dentistry and healthcare. 

Who said there is no certainty in life? The one absolutely certain thing in life is uncertainty.

On March 11, 2011, the whole world watched in horror as footage of the 9.0 earthquake in Japan, the 10m tsunami and affected nuclear power reactors were broadcast on television screens and over the internet.

It has been reported that approximately 100,000 people vanished after the 2004 tsunami. A few of my friends, who are experts in forensic dentistry, spent months in Phuket after the tragedy to help in identifying the bodies. After all, dental records are one of the best ways to identify unrecognizable remains.

There is no doubt that Japan is way ahead in terms of technology, economy and the quality of their civic education. There must be many forensic experts in Japan who would be assisting their people to find the remains of their love ones. Knowing how many people have been reported missing in the latest tragedy, outside assistance will most likely be needed as well.

History has shown that earthquake activity in Japan tends to have long latency period. After this major quake, the hope is that mother nature will be quiet for many decades to come.

Japan is a country built known for overcoming adversity through problem solving and innovations. The odds are that the Japanese people will strive on and thrive again.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan at this time. May their leaders in government as well as in the rescue missions and nuclear reactor crisis have the wisdom to make good decisions to help the country pick up the pieces and move on. May the Japanese people not lose heart and gain strength from the global outpouring of compassion and help. May many random acts of kindness encourage people at this time of crisis.

As the Japanese Emperor said on TV yesterday: ‘Hang in there, move on and live for tomorrow.’

Dr. Ansgar C. Cheng is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics (Teeth Replacement) with Specialist Dental Group™. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor with the National University of Singapore.  He has a special interest in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and treatment of  medically compromised patients, including cancer patients. For more information about Dr. Cheng, click here