Hannah Atkinson

Hannah is a 4th year dental student from the University of Birmingham. She recently spent 4 weeks undertaking a dental elective in Sri Lanka. 

My university gave me the option to undertake an elective or stay and continue clinical work. I chose to do an overseas elective as I wanted to travel and be able to experience a different culture and lifestyle. I was also interested in how dentistry was different in other countries, especially less developed ones, and how treatment options and attitudes differed.

During my first visit to the hospital, I was surprised by how much bigger it was compared with hospitals at home. I initially found it quite overwhelming due to how busy it was, and it seemed quite disorganised. I was shocked at how many patients were sharing a bed and that some were lying on the floor. 

During the first introductions with the supervising clinicians who all spoke good English, it was reassuring to find out they were expecting me and were very friendly and welcoming.

My elective was entirely observational as directed by my university, however, the consultants still involved me in discussions about all the clinical cases. I feel like I deepened my knowledge in orthodontics as I didn’t have much experience in this. 

I was able to see some oral cancers at the OMF clinic which was useful as I had been taught what they might look like but I had never seen any cases in real life. The opportunity to spend time in the OMF theatre allowed me to consolidate my anatomy knowledge of the head and neck.

One of the most memorable cases I observed was a teenager who presented with facial swelling and a large abscess which had spread into his cheek due to an infected tooth. The consultant made an incision in the cheek to drain it and then dressed the wound. I found this interesting as it was unlike anything I had seen before.

I observed many interesting cases in theatre including cleft lip surgery on an 8-month-old baby, multiple trauma cases, and facial fractures which was a great learning experience.

One of the main differences I found between the local healthcare system and that in the UK was the reduced level of infection control, especially in theatres. The doctors would often examine patients with no gloves, and instruments would be reused without being properly sterilised. 

I was surprised by the lack of privacy as clinics would take place in small, open rooms and patients would line up right behind those being examined.

I was also surprised by how little involvement patients had in their care. In Sri Lanka, the consultants were highly respected and patients were often not required to consent for any treatment.

Outside of placement, there was lots to do. In the afternoons we visited the White Buddha, and botanical gardens, watched a cultural dance, visited the Temple of the Tooth, and went white water rafting. 

We also bought a pool membership at the hotel right next to the house which was a good way to relax and sunbathe after placement. There were many bars around Kandy which were good for a drink in the evening and we also went on a day trip to Sigiriya to climb Pidurangala Rock which gave a great view of Lion Rock. 

One of the weekends we visited Ella to see the famous Nine Arch Bridge and take the train. Another weekend we went to Trincomalee and went snorkelling. On my final weekend, we did a sunrise safari in Yala National Park and then went to Aragum Bay.

Undertaking an overseas elective allowed me to observe the contrast between differing healthcare systems. It was eye-opening to see how patients are treated differently and the varying levels of infection control. 

This was my first opportunity to travel more independently and it gave me the confidence to do something similar in the future. I was able to experience a new culture and way of life. I tried new foods and also met people with similar interests.

I encourage everyone to undertake an overseas elective – I would highly recommend Work the World. 

From the very first contact, they were incredibly supportive and replied to any emails or queries very quickly. Having never done anything like this before, they helped me feel more confident about the experience and this continued when I reached my overseas location and throughout my clinical elective. 

Initially, I was nervous about going, however, as it is so organised you settle in very quickly and can meet lots of similar people. All the staff in the house were so friendly and I always felt incredibly safe. 

My elective in Sri Lanka has been one of my best experiences and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back – this is due to the support of Work the World.

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