Global
The Columbia Crown Spring 2025 Edition
o n t e n t s
T a b l e o f
Letter From the Editor
Seeking Opportunity: Bingy’s Journey Towards Dentistry from Across the World
Alina Naqvi 4
Interview of Dr. Laila Akhlaghi
Anna Jonczyk
Michelle Ginsburg 5
Rooted in Resilience: Sneha Mann’s Journey
Jessica Chen 8
Insight into Dentistry in Greece
Dorothy Low
Insight into Dentistry in China
Dorothy Low
10
12
A Glimpse into Russian Dentistry
JuHee Son
Letterfrom theEditor:
Alina Naqvi
This Spring, we ’ ve continued exploring the theme of Global Dentistry, shining a spotlight on more members of our diverse dental community and their unique paths into the profession. In this issue, we offer a glimpse into dental education and treatment practices from around the world, with the hope that these stories will spark meaningful conversations among our readers.
I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to our incredible Editorial Committee cochairs, Jessica Chen and David Pellei, for their dedication and leadership over the past several months in bringing this newsletter to life. I’m also deeply grateful to the entire Editorial Committee for their thoughtful interviews and compelling writing. Most importantly, thank you to the students who generously shared their journeys with us your stories continue to inspire and connect us.
Seeking Opportunity: Bingy’s Journey Towards Dentistry from Across the World
“America was known to be the land of opportunities, and I still feel that way today.”
By: Michelle Ginsburg
Bingyi Dong grew up in a small rural town in China Like all the other children, she attended the local elementary school with plans to continue on to high school However, after high school, only a few top students would be awarded scholarships to attend a large university Bingyi’s parents had bigger dreams for their two daughters. When Bingyi was nine years old, the Dong family made the difficult decision to immigrate to New York, leaving behind their family and friends.
In New York, Bingyi and her sister enrolled in a local New York City public school She noted that had she stayed in China, she likely would have had to pay to attend school Now, Bingyi is a first-generation college graduate “My grandparents [in China] are very proud I graduated from college and got into Columbia College of Dental Medicine I am the first college graduate, and I will be the first dentist in my family”
After moving to New York, Bingyi began visiting the dentist regularly. “When I was little in China, I didn't really go to the dentist. I only went once because I had to get a tooth extracted.” Reflecting on the differences between dentistry in rural China and the United States, Bingyi explained, “I really feel that there is a gap in oral health literacy between here and China.” She elaborated that while preventative care is emphasized in the U.S., in her hometown in China, individuals typically visit the dentist only when experiencing pain Bingyi added that her grandparents, along with other residents of her small town, do not have dental insurance and must pay for procedures out of pocket contributing to their reluctance to seek regular dental care However, she noted that this might be different in larger cities in China
Bingyi was inspired to pursue a career in dentistry by the kindness shown to her by her own dentists. “My dentist made me curious about what a cavity was. He treated me with such compassion, care, and patience, and my orthodontist gave me the confidence to smile I love to smile, and I love to make people smile”
“I saw how impactful oral health can be especially on health in general. I really want to help educate people on the importance of dental and oral care.”
Interviewof Dr. LailaAkhlaghi byAnna
Jonczyk
Dr. Laila Akhlaghi is a renowned dentist that trained in both the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US), exemplifying an outstanding integration of diverse educational backgrounds and clinical experiences. Her career reflects a commitment to continuous learning and addressing the oral health needs of medicallycomplex patients.
Educational Background: UK vs US
In the United Kingdom, the traditional path to become a dentist is through a five year program directly after A Levels, the UK equivalent to the last two years of high school in the United States. Graduates of this traditional path obtain a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree and can then decide to go into private practice, pursue further training, or specialize.
However, uncertain about choosing between dentistry and medicine, Dr. Akhlaghi opted for a broader undergraduate degree to explore both fields She first began her academic pursuits with a 3-year program at King’s College London to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences The undergraduate campus was conveniently situated on the same campus as the medical and dental schools, which allowed Dr Akhlaghi to access both facilities and figure out which profession piqued her curiosity. Ultimately dentistry’s emphasis on
Upon earning her BDS, Dr. Akhlaghi was deciding between pursuing a one-year Foundational Training, similar to the General Practice Residency (GPR), or going straight into private practice The advantage of Foundational Training is that it is required in order to work in the National Health Service (NHS), which is the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK Many patients rely and trust the NHS since it is heavily subsidized by the government and highly regulated As such, Dr Akhlaghi undertook the Foundational Training program
The Foundational Training in the UK differs from the GPR in the USA by mainly one factor: the dental nurse. In Foundational Training, graduates are placed in a private practice with an allocated dental nurse. Unlike the dental assistants in the US, who may assist multiple dentists, the dental nurses in the UK typically work with a single dentist,
Advanced Training and Specialization
Following her Foundation Training, Dr. Akhlaghi engaged in general dental practice at the same clinic while pursuing a diploma in aesthetic dentistry This additional qualification underscored her commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care Concurrently, she completed comprehensive training in botox application, encompassing basic to advanced levels, enhancing her proficiency in aesthetic procedures
A pivotal moment in Dr. Akhlaghi’s career was her exposure to challenges faced by medically complex patients, particularly those undergoing cancer treatments. Her husband’s role as a pediatric neurooncologist illuminated the significant oral health complications cancer patients face, particularly intense oral pain. Cancer patient care is often overlooked in standard dental training, with the common approach being to prescribe antibiotics or painkillers, defer treatment due to their illness and risk, or refer to an oral surgeon. However, Dr. Akhlaghi recognized that cancer treatments can last over two years, making deferring dental care unfeasible. Referring to oral surgery is not always the best option either, as many surgeons focus primarily on extractions, with the postextraction restorative plan being left neglected
One of the most common and heartbreaking issues she encountered in her patients was unmanaged oral pain. Many patients arrived in tears, not from chemotherapy or transfusions, but from mouth pain yet the only interventions they were offered were antibiotics and painkillers from the medical standpoint This pain often stemmed from pre-existing dental issues exacerbated by immunosuppression during treatment In some cases, it wasn’t a severe infection but something as simple as a pocketing that could be resolved with a cleaning. What these patients truly needed was a proper diagnosis and targeted dental care to improve their quality of life. The impact of oral pain on eating, sleeping, and overall comfort was profound and the medical teams often didn’t know how to help beyond temporary relief.
Motivated to fill this care gap, Dr. Akhlaghi collaborated with her boss to establish a clinic dedicated to managing the dental needs of oncology patients. The clinic was located in the heart of London on Harley Street within Leaders in Oncology Care (LOC), a secondary health care center with access to patients who were medically compromised, undergoing cancer treatment, and cancer survivors
Without an established protocol for treating oncology patients, Dr. Akhlaghi turned to selfeducation reading journals and consulting with oncologists to develop her own approach. She introduced a dental clearance pathway, ensuring that patients received a dental consultation and any necessary oral treatment upon cancer diagnosis. This protocol helped confirm that patients had no active decay or infections before starting chemotherapy. Recognizing that insurance and financial barriers often prevented patients from receiving timely care, Dr. Akhlaghi approached the cancer center with a proposal: her team would provide dental evaluations and care for all their oncology patients under a contractual agreement, eliminating the need for individual patient billing for standard-of-care services Patients were seen up to three times throughout their treatment, and while they were responsible for any restorative or elective procedures, access to essential dental care became streamlined and attainable She also launched an educational program for the staff, nurse practitioners, and attendings at LOC, enabling them to offer and support these services. Through this partnership, Dr. Akhlaghi’s team became known as the go-to providers for oncology dental care filling a gap that no one else was addressing. Over the next few years, through word of mouth more patients and providers began hearing of and seeking out their services, establishing a new model of care for this vulnerable population.
Transition to the U.S.
In 2018, Dr. Akhalghi relocated to the U.S. following her and her husband’s recruitment to Columbia University. Luckily, due to her completion of both a BSE and BDS, her requirements aligned with the U.S. prerequisites, facilitating a smooth integration into the American dental community.
Dr. Akhlaghi aimed to bring the dental clearance model she developed at LOC to Columbia University, creating a streamlined pathway for medical teams to refer patients for dental evaluations prior to chemotherapy, radiation, or transplants However, implementing this new protocol came with challenges Within the dental school, care for medically complex patients was fragmented – split between the special needs clinic, postgraduate general practice, and periodontics clinic, with no central point of contact to coordinate patients’ treatments At the same time, medical teams were understandably protective of their patients and hesitant to refer them outside their departments unless they were confident in the care being provided.
Over time, as trust has grown, Dr. Akhlaghi has become the primary point of contact for several departments — including head and neck surgery, bone marrow transplant, and breast, prostate, and lung oncology for facilitating dental clearance prior to chemotherapy or medications. She is also now collaborating closely with the cardiology and organ transplant teams to establish similarly efficient referral pathways.
Continued Professional Development
Dr. Akhlaghi is driven by intellectual curiosity and recognizes that treating medically complex patients will always present unique challenges, as each case comes with its own complications While developing these systems, she completed a two-year implantology fellowship during the COVID pandemic under Dr Tarnow at Columbia University and recently earned a Master’s in Digital Dentistry and Management from the University of Geneva, Switzerland both of which further enhanced her ability to plan clearances more precisely, especially in cases involving implant decisions or full-mouth extractions.
By sharing her extensive experience, Dr. Akhalghi contributes to preparing future dental and medical professionals to address the nuanced needs of patients with significant medical comorbidities. While institutions like Columbia University benefit from an integrated medical and dental system, this is not yet true for many healthcare settings. As she did when she began at Columbia, Dr. Akhlaghi advocates for targeted education and outreach to medical institutions through seminars and lectures informing physicians of the importance of early dental referrals. Dr. Akhlaghi’s efforts exemplify the vital role dentists can play in the treatment of medically complex patients with the right training, perspective, and institutional support
Rooted in Resilience: Dr. Sneha Mann’s Journey
By: Jessica Chen
pective to dentistry, shaped by her diverse experiences father in the army, she moved every three years, growing up in different parts of India. This exposure to India's vast diversity has profoundly influenced her understanding of dentistry in India. Her interest in dentistry was ignited early by her cousin, a Tufts University graduate now practicing in Boston, and her intelligent sister, who served as an inspiring role model. Her sister’s intelligence also motivated her to pursue a career in a field where she could make a tangible difference
Dental Education in India
In India, dental education is incredibly theoretical, with a heavy focus on terminology and classifications Students spend most of their time in lectures, and most practical experience comes during the mandatory one-year internship that follows the four years of dental school. During this internship, students rotate through various clinical departments
After completing her dental studies, she pursued a three-year residency in endodontics Admission into residency is primarily determined by one ’ s grades and rankings on the national dental exam Within her cohort of six, the years of clinical experience that her co-residents had varied. In India, endodontics residency is also combined with conservative dentistry, completing multiple onlays, inlays, crowns, and posts cases. During the first year of preclinical training, students practice endo on extracted teeth. In the outpatient department (OPD), cases are divided among the postgraduates, giving each student an opportunity to manage and treat a range of cases In the second year, students focus on treating incisors and premolars In the third year, students are expected to handle more complex molar cases To graduate from the program, students are also required to compile an album of 20 special cases. What Sneha enjoyed about her residency was the opportunity to perform advanced procedures, such as management of resorption defects, revascularization, endodontic microsurgery, and treating open apices.
The US Perspective: A Shift in Practice
Her decision to further her education in the U.S. was influenced by the prospect of a “ more advanced and rewarding dental” career and ability to work with the latest equipment and technology Her time working as a dental assistant in the US has also led to an appreciation of CE courses, which offer “bite-sized targeted information,” and has exposed her to the latest technology. She enjoys Columbia’s education because of its more systematic, case-based approach to dentistry, step-by-step breakdown of procedures and its emphasis on evidence-based practice.
Cultural Differences and Career Growth
In India, the dental care system is largely funded by patients, with little reliance on insurance. This self-pay system means that patients often cover the cost of their treatment directly, and dental insurance is still in its infancy, with very limited awareness in many areas Despite this, dental care in India is more affordable compared to countries like the U.S.
In rural regions, especially in government clinics, basic dental care is often provided Procedures such as ART (Atraumatic Restorative Treatment) are common, with minimal equipment and tools like spoon excavators. However, the biggest issue in rural areas is a lack of understanding about dental care. For example, patients in their 40s often seek extrations and dentures instead of opting for restorative treatment like root canals. People also seek traditional home remedies, such as clove oil, to help alleviate their pain. In contrast, urban areas like where Sneha practiced in Delhi are home to a higher standard of care Patients in these areas are often more familiar with advanced treatments such as veneers, root canals, and other cosmetic procedures This regional variation in care highlights a divide between more affluent and rural populations in India.
Though the U.S. has more advanced technology, one pitfall of its more structured protocols is the limit of experimental procedures Particularly in her residency in India, Sneha was encouraged to use more experimental approaches to help patients, partly due to patients’ financial restrictions For example, she helped treat a horizontal fracture because the patient did not have the money for implants.
For Sneha, the journey from India to the U S has been one of immense growth and learning, shaped by her unique experiences across the country. She hopes that her knowledge, combined with the many learning opportunities in the U.S., will allow her to grow as both a dentist and a person.
InsightintoDentistryinGreece
By: Dorothy Low
Dr. Katerina Anastasaki, an assistant professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, was kind enough to speak with me and share her journey and perspectives on dentistry in Greece and the United States Dr Anastasaki obtained her dental degree in Athens, Greece from the National and Kapodistrian University before pursuing advanced prosthodontics education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. From an early age, she was inspired by the healthcare field due to her desire to help others, but sought a career offering a better work-life balance than medicine Early exposure to oral and maxillofacial surgery within her family sparked her curiosity in dentistry. She chose prosthodontics because of the field’s complexity and its profound impact on restoring function and confidence in patients.
Reflecting on her decision to transition to the United States (a choice I couldn’t help but question, given the beauty of Greece), Dr. Anastasaki explained that she was particularly drawn to the depth of specialization and interdisciplinary collaboration in American dentistry. The U.S. offered opportunities to work on complex cases utilizing cutting-edge technology, aligning with her passion for innovation and advanced rehabilitation procedures.
Dr. Anastasaki highlighted key similarities and differences in dental education between Greece and the United States. In Greece, students enter dental school directly after high school, making it a five-year program compared to the typical four-year dental program in the U.S. The curriculum emphasizes theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, while the U.S. focuses more on technology, interdisciplinary approaches, and evidence-based practices. Notably, dental school in Greece is tuition-free for students attending public universities, making it an accessible but still competitive field—reserved for the top 10% of high school graduates based on national entrance exam scores.
When discussing work-life balance, Dr. Anastasaki noted that while Greek dentists traditionally enjoyed a more relaxed work culture, increased competition has shifted this dynamic. Dentistry in Greece is now highly competitive, prompting many practitioners to work harder to stand out.
Most dental care in Greece is provided through the private sector. Although the national healthcare system offers some services for seniors and vulnerable populations, the majority of dental expenses are out-of-pocket or covered by private insurance. Dr. Anastasaki observed that, proportionately, dental care costs in Greece are similar to those in the U.S. She emphasized the importance of a more proactive approach to preventive care in both countries.
It is also notable to mention that in recent years, Greece has emerged as a popular destination for dental tourism due to its reputation for high quality care and more affordable treatment options. This is also due to a recent research study that showed that Greece has one of the highest dentist-topopulation ratios in the world, which has maybe incentivized many businesses to cater and advertise towards foreigners in order to remain competitive. Despite Greece’s growing reputation as a destination for highquality and affordable dental care, access to care within the country remains uneven. According to a recent OECD report, one in eight adults in Greece lacked necessary dental care last year more than triple the EU average primarily due to financial barriers. The economic crisis and reductions in public healthcare spending have left many vulnerable populations behind, with public dental funding falling to negligible levels by 2021 and private spending dropping nearly 68% since 2008. The gap is especially pronounced among lower-income groups, where 21.2% report unmet dental needs. While efforts have been made such as a free dental care program for children health experts, including WHO adviser Aristomenis Syngelakis, emphasize the need for systemic reforms, including guaranteed funding and better integration of dental services into Greece’s primary healthcare system.
All in all, Dr. Anastasaki’s experiences show that there are many shared values in global dentistry. Both Greece and the United States emphasize the importance of oral health and preventative care, yet their systems reflect their distinct education systems, particularly within cultural and economic contexts. For U.S. dental students, understanding international perspectives is very interesting and can enrich our understanding of dentistry and increase our cultural competency. And by exploring global dentistry, we gain a deeper appreciation for how our profession is similar and different in other countries. As Greece continues to evolve as a dental tourism hotspot, it also exemplifies how dentistry can be a leveraged economic strength.
Insight into Dentistry in China
By: Dorothy Low
Dentistry in China is an example of a unique system vastly different from the United States and other Western countries that caters to high volume, government funded care in large hospital settings, and has a different cultural attitude to oral health. To get a firsthand perspective, I spoke with a classmate from Columbia College of Dentistry who grew up and worked in Beijing before moving to the United States. He shared his experiences on everything from the role of government owned hospitals to the impact of traditional Asian beliefs about health. His story highlights both the strengths and challenges of a system that is very different from dentistry in the United States.
In China, the path to a dental career starts early, beginning with the Gaokao, a highly competitive entrance exam taken in high school. The test results determine students' placement in specific college equivalent programs which are specialized towards certain careers, including dentistry. This early specialization is in contrast to the U.S., where students typically complete a bachelor’s degree majoring in science or other majors before applying to dental school
Once in a dental program, Chinese students follow a rigorous academic curriculum, including traditional exams and heavy coursework, often focused on subjects like physics and chemistry before medical and dental-specific training. A five year dental education leads to the BDS degree, and dental graduates must then pass a nationwide licensure examination to practice. Unlike the U.S. system, where matching for residency and specialized exams like the CBSE play a critical role, Chinese dental students rely heavily on research and academic performance for post-graduate placement The system’s lack of standardized residency matching creates a less pressured but more research-driven environment
One of the biggest contrasts between dentistry in China and the US is the role of public hospitals “Eighty to ninety percent of dental and medical services happen in public hospitals,” noted my classmate. Dental hospitals in China are government owned, with treatments costing a fraction of the cost of private practice. While public clinics make treatment more affordable, the high patient volumes compromise care as the time that dentists spend with patients is decreased. “We see so many patients thirty in the morning sometimes that there isn’t much room for personal interaction,” they said. This is in contrast with the average dentist in the United States who might, for example, only see 5-10 patients in the mornings and have an emphasis on patient care.
While the patient interactions might be less intimate compared to the U.S., dental care is much more affordable in China. Patients generally pay out of pocket for most procedures, as insurance only covers basic cleanings. However, my classmate notes that the out of pocket costs are still relatively affordable, especially when compared to the cost of treatment in the United States. For reference, my classmate’s father underwent treatment to receive five implants in China, costing about $400 USD per tooth out of pocket While every dental implant case is unique, in the United States a single dental implant can cost between $3000 and $4500
Culturally, there are stark differences in the way dental care is perceived. For older generations in China, dental care has traditionally been a lower priority. My classmate mentioned that many people in their parents’ generation believed that tooth loss was inevitable and that any oral care beyond basic brushing wasn’t necessary. Most notably, flossing wasn’t seen as a necessary daily practice. “For older people, dental care is about treating pain they expect to lose their teeth by 60 or 70,” my classmate said. “When I came to the US, I was amazed to see so many older people with full sets of teeth It’s just not common back home,” they remarked
However, younger generations in China are beginning to focus more on preventative care, similar to beliefs in the U S This shift is influenced by education campaigns and greater access to information about dental hygiene Additionally, implants, which have become a common choice in the U S , are still relatively new and are often avoided due to both cost and cultural beliefs about retaining natural teeth He noted that the older generations would rather do restorative procedures to avoid extracting teeth and using implants.
“My friend who did an advanced training in China can do a crown in 10 minutes because of the high patient volume, so you do get trained really well.”
A standout point from my classmate’s experience is the difference in clinical exposure. Due to high patient volumes in China, dental professionals acquire extensive hands-on experience, with general dentists handling advanced procedures and seeing high numbers of patients. My classmate recalls that Chinese-trained dentists often perform technical procedures, such as crown placements, with impressive efficiency. Yet, the demanding workload impacts job satisfaction and limits personalized care, which many U.S. based dentists prioritize.
For my classmate, the desire to move to the U.S. for dental training came from a personal experience: their spouse had TMJ disorder, which a U.S. dentist successfully treated. The care and comprehensive approach left a lasting impression on my classmate, who noted that the U.S. system’s emphasis on patient-centered care and cutting-edge research was a strong motivation to pursue dentistry here. The U.S. also offers better salaries and a balanced work environment. Although Chinese dentistry has state-of-the-art technology, my classmate believes the U.S. dental field provides better work-life balance, better opportunities for patient interaction, and is less driven by commercial interests, unlike some capital-driven practices in China.
All in all, China’s dental system offers intense clinical training and an impressive public healthcare system that provides affordable care, but it also faces challenges related to work-life balance and limited patient interaction. The U.S. system, by contrast, emphasizes patient-centered care, advanced research, and a more sustainable work environment.
A Glimpse into Russian Dentistry
By: JuHee Son
An interview of Advanced Standing student Anastasia Golovanova
After working as an oral surgeon in Russia for two years, Anastasia Golovanova joined the Advanced Standing program at Columbia College of Dental Medicine. “In Russia, our training begins early we work with real patients as soon as the third year,” she explains, highlighting a system where hands-on experience is integral from the start. Her experience offers a refreshing look at a system where dental training is deeply intertwined with medicine, and where hands-on clinical work starts early.
Early Clinical Exposure and Integrated Learning
In Russia, dental education follows a five-year program entered after 10–11 years of general schooling With roughly 400 students divided into small groups of 15-30 people, close interaction with instructors is ensured. In the first two years, students study basic sciences alongside medical and dental courses. By the third year, they treat real patients under supervision often managing cases of family or community members diving right into patient care without an extended preclinical lab period. By the fifth year, clinical rotations focus on dentistry, preparing students for the state exams and residency applications.
“The summer after D1, we spent a month in hospitals, assisting in different departments—from gastroenterology to general surgery, handling suture removals and postoperative care.”
“The summer after D1, we spent a month in hospitals, assisting in different departments from gastroenterology to general surgery, handling suture removals and post-operative care,” Anastasia recalls This immersive experience built a strong medical foundation and emphasized treating the whole person rather than just the disease Working alongside medical students during these rotations instilled a systemic understanding of healthcare a philosophy that continues to guide her practice.
Specialization and Insurance
The Russian structural organization for specialization imposes stricter procedural limits compared to the U.S., prompting many dentists to specialize. General dentists are allowed only a limited number of fillings (excluding deep caries), three crowns, one bridge, and one simple extraction per patient, while orthodontic procedures are strictly performed by orthodontists. Moreover, oral surgery and maxillofacial surgery are distinct fields; oral surgeons handle extractions, implant placements, and treatment of oral infections, whereas maxillofacial surgeons do not.
Russia’s insurance system covers most emergencies, including wisdom tooth extractions and major surgeries, and many routine procedures. The strong integration of dentistry with medicine combined with a great insurance system, makes dental care accessible and fosters trust through routine referrals, though private practices often operate outside this system. Patients may also opt for alternative materials at an extra cost, which allows various treatment cost options.
Practice Realities and a New Beginning
Right after graduation, the work life of a new dentist in Russia can be demanding some start off working up to six days a week for long hours. However, as experience builds, especially for oral surgeons, who can perform a wide range of procedures, work schedules often ease to three or four days a week.
Due to an economic uncertainty in her home country, Anastasia sought greater professional opportunities in the U.S. "In the U.S., I earned more in two weeks as a dental assistant than I did in months working six days a week as an oral surgeon in Russia," she said. Inspired by a surgeon friend who visited the States yearly and introduced her to advanced medical technologies, she was determined to come. Initially working as a dental assistant, her passion for patient care soon drew her back to clinical practice. “I missed working with patients, and seeing my international co-workers move into Advanced Standing programs gave me the courage to pursue my dreams,” she shared.
Reflections on Two Systems
Anastasia finds that while the Russian system is rigorous and emphasizes a holistic, medically integrated approach, it comes with its own set of challenges economic pressures and variable material quality. In contrast, U.S. dentistry offers more flexibility for general practitioners, though with its own limitations. Despite the challenges of transitioning to the U S system, the experience of working closely with medical professionals and learning to manage patient care from an early stage has been invaluable
Her journey is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required in dentistry. By embracing new challenges and leveraging international experiences, Anastasia hopes to enrich her practice and contribute to a more connected, dynamic world of dental care.