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.

I always consider myself lucky. I was born at a prosperous place at the right moment in time when people believed totally in meritocracy. A lot of practical DNAs were planted in my chromosomes simply because I was the product of my fantastic parents. This ‘DNA phenomenon’ was clearly shown in my siblings. On top of that, I have a great spouse with tons of energy and intellectual capability.

However, despite all the raw material that I was born with, things would have gone south if I did not have many first class teachers all along life. Usually people have this notion that teachers have to be older than their students.

Surprise, surprise… Over the last weekend I had the honour to host an exceptional human being who happened to be the current coach of my former high school’s high octane cross–country and athletics teams. Scientific studies in the field of sport science  and education have shown that school sport participation and academic achievement has little negative correlation. There is no doubt that school sports help to build character in young people. This life-long value addition is far beyond just being book smart.

Even though Manson came to my Alma Mater long after I left for my life ventures away from home, our conversations over the last few days have been mind-boggling! I could not have gotten a better teacher in the last few days even though he is a good 20 years my junior!

As a professor in a university, I am used to having unlimited speaking rights. It is therefore refreshing to be all “ears” for a change. 

Lessons from the weekend:

• have a meaningful vision,
• persistence pays,
• good people management,
• high impact leadership,
• teamwork.

It is never too late to learn…

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