Dentists Must Keep Pace with Innovation for the Best Patient Smiles.
“At MedPark Dental Center, we assemble a team of specialists from various dental subspecialty fields to address all patient concerns and fulfill their oral health needs.”
MedPark Stories has had the privilege of speaking with many MedPark dental specialists. But the conversation today is particularly special. We sat down with Dr. Sonthi Sirimai, DDS, a prosthodontist and Head of the Dental Center at MedPark Hospital, which houses a state-of-the-art digital dental laboratory, enabling superior crafting of prosthodontic pieces, including ceramic restorations, crowns, and veneers. Join us as we explore Dr. Sonthi’s professional journey.
Dentistry: A Medical Career with Work-Life Balance
Dr. Sonthi initially chose to pursue a career in medicine, following in the footsteps of several family members. However, along the way, he sought a path that aligned more closely with his interests. Dentistry soon emerged as an appealing option.
“Medicine is a high-pressure field. I wanted to find a specialty where I would not constantly face life-or-death situations. Dentistry offers a more balanced environment in that respect. At the same time, I have always appreciated the arts. My natural crafting skills make prosthodontics a perfect fit.”
After finishing his studies and becoming a full-fledged dentist as he had aspired, Dr. Sonthi knew he had chosen the right path that aligned with his interests and talents. He launched a Facebook page called So Pros, where he shares insights, new trends, and noteworthy developments in dentistry. The page also serves as a platform for exchanging ideas among fellow dental professionals with a keen interest.
Dental Implants: More Than Restoring Function - A Focus on Aesthetics and Patient Confidence
“While studying in the U.S., I worked assiduously to develop my techniques and began exploring dental implants in depth. I realized that function and aesthetics are closely intertwined, as aesthetics plays a role in everyday life.”
In the early days of dental implantology, the focus was primarily on restoring function rather than appearance. But Dr. Sonthi was first among the pioneering dentists to refine techniques for enhancing confidence and bringing back the beauty of a natural smile. Over the past 25 years, he has shared his expertise at numerous academic conferences.
“As time passes, technology and techniques continue to evolve. We must adapt accordingly and carefully select the most advanced and effective dental tools and materials to meet the specific needs of patients at any given time.”
Thanks to his commitment to staying at the forefront of dental innovation, Dr. Sonthi was invited as a guest speaker at the inaugural event introducing dental implants to Thailand, organized by prominent dental implant companies, such as Straumann, Astra Tech, and Nobel Biocare.
“At the time, the world was entering the digital age, I knew it was essential to take action. Falling behind global trends and technological advancements could have broad implications for the country. So I gathered a few colleagues, three or four of us, and founded the Digital Dentistry Association of Thailand.”
Digital dentistry is the foundation of the Dental Center at MedPark Hospital.
From Tech-Savvy Dentist to Head of the Dental Center
“Invited to help establish the Dental Center at MedPark, I was immediately drawn to the concept of a physician-led model—designed by doctors with a patient-centered philosophy at its core. I saw it as the perfect opportunity to pioneer a digital dentistry-driven practice from the ground up.”
Dr. Sonthi selected a leading digital dental company offering advanced hardware, proprietary software, and comprehensive digital solutions. This end-to-end compatibility ensures seamless adoption of technology in the hospital. It also enables efficient troubleshooting, system upgrades, and software updates, allowing every component to communicate across the workflow, ultimately enhancing treatment outcomes.
“The dental technology company played an active role in helping us design the layout of the Dental Center. Their technical team came on-site to assess the area, offering guidance on optimal space allocation. For instance, they ensured that all installed X-ray equipment had reinforced walls for radiation shielding. They also tailored each room to the specific dental services offered, with different types of dental chairs selected to suit the unique needs of various dental specialists.”
One concern Dr. Sonthi pays singular attention to is the fear of pain, or dental panic. To alleviate this, he designed a bespoke dental operating room, equipped with a dedicated dental chair, enabling seamless collaboration between the dentist and an anesthesiologist. This design allows the anesthesiologist to unobtrusively administer sedation during procedures, ensuring that patients can undergo treatment without experiencing fear or discomfort, while adhering to international safety standards.
“We also meticulously designed the patient flow from the dental surgery suite to the inpatient wards and intensive care unit to ensure seamless transfer if necessary. We plan every scenario thoroughly, ensuring patients are confident their dental procedures will be comfortable, efficient, and safe.”
In addition, we implement numerous other design elements, prioritizing the patient’s well-being, such as positive and negative pressure air ventilation systems tailored to different clinical needs.
Profession-Cum-Pastime: Dentistry as a Favorite Activity
Due to his lifelong passion for the arts, while establishing the digital dental lab, he integrated his love and skill for craftsmanship into his profession and trade. Designing dental crowns and painstakingly refining prosthetic components to restore the function and aesthetics of a patient's smile became a deeply fulfilling endeavor and enjoyment.
“In my free time, I enjoy activities that are a bit more extreme, like snowboarding, diving, or windsurfing. When in the city, I go to the boxing gym twice weekly. Now that my child is older, I have embarked on doing more activities together. We gravitate toward sports that keep us active and energized.”
In addition, Dr. Sonthi participates in a sport that is in distinct contrast to his usual activities—sailing. He shared that it offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from social media, be alone with his thoughts, and quietly soak in the rhythm of the wind and waves. For him, sailing is a form of relaxation that nurtures body and mind.
When asked for parting advice on dental care, his first response was simple yet crucial —oral hygiene. The oral cavity is unique to each person and requires a tailored approach to cleaning. Receiving proper guidance from a dentist — understanding the characteristics of the teeth and adjusting cleaning techniques accordingly—can significantly reduce the risk of oral diseases.
“If treatment is necessary, it should be holistic, encompassing prevention, treatment, restoration, and long-term follow-up. A team of experienced dental professionals, supported by advanced tools and technology, and delivered with a comprehensive patient-centered mindset, should collaboratively provide the care.”
Because the mouth is essential for overall health, daily function, and self-confidence, it deserves the same level of care and attention as any other aspect of well-being.
