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Graduating from dentistry at the University of Melbourne with honours, Lee worked at Monash Medical in their dental department, gaining experience treating medically compromised patients. After pursuing overseas experience in the UK as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Senior House Officer, she started her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, alongside her oral and maxillofacial surgery training – balancing medical school with part-time work as a dentist.

“I completed my specialist training in Western Australia, which was challenging due to the gruelling nature of the training and being away from my family,” Lee says. Her hard work was certainly worth it, as she not only graduated, but received the ANZAOMS medal as the top graduating candidate for the year. She was then fortunate enough to complete my overseas fellowship through Oxford University Hospitals in the UK.”

When asked why she decided to specialise as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Lee says she was fascinated by the breadth of surgery early on in her dental career during general hospital rotations. “I loved observing the surgeons and trying to be involved as much as possible,” she says.

“As a Senior House Officer in the UK, I truly cemented my passion for oral and maxillofacial surgery during my time there,” she adds. “I was fortunate enough to see and participate in oncology resections, neck dissections and flap reconstructions. I made every effort to surround myself and absorb as much experience and information as I could.”

It is clear Lee continues to strive for as much experience and information as she can. She is currently a staff specialist at Royal Perth Hospital, where she teaches medical students and registrars. Lee also works in private practice as an associate to Dr Carolyn Stulner (WAOMS, South Perth) and Dr Brent Allan (West Leederville).

When asked about work life balance, she says maintain work-life can be a bit of a juggling act. “I want to continue to help public patients, as well as maintain private practice. Therefore, I work part time in both and try to share my time.” Lee explains. “I enjoy being involved with the various aspect of these, like teaching, and the diversity from implants to deformity and trauma, and doing both allows for this. And importantly, my family provides that other aspect of balance, and I try to come home in time for a hug from my little girl at the end of the day.”

Lee adds that she loves the multifaceted nature of the work. The drive to achieve the best outcomes for all her work keep her focused and propels her passion about her profession. She also enjoys the interpersonal aspects including talking to patients and fellow practitioners, as well as the practical side. This includes extractions, planning and applying evolving techniques/technologies for implants and orthognathic surgery. “Every day is different, every patient and every case is different,” she says. “I have forged great friendships and professional relationships with many dentists and specialists.”

Lee’s Suturing Workshop covers practical aspects in principles of oral surgery including:

Armamentarium
Tissue handling
Suturing – different type of suturing techniques.

“Essentially, the suturing workshop is aimed at revising suturing skills, which is critical for successful surgery,” Lee explains. The course will run through necessary armamentarium and offer information to assist clinicians in fine tuning their suturing skills. The hands-on approach will include how to place sutures, different suturing techniques and practical experience on porcine specimens.

“This is aimed at anyone who does suturing in their dental practice, whether they be a new graduate looking for some further knowledge and experience, or a dentist who would like to refresh and update their suturing knowledge,” she adds. “We hope that attendees will feel confident at the end of the course to be able to successfully suture a flap or laceration.”

Lee says oral surgery in a dental practice setting can be challenging. Appropriate case selection and having a sound foundation of basic surgical knowledge is essential to successfully and reliably treat patients, and avoid complications. “Clinicians can find emergency extractions frustrating and daunting sometimes. Seemingly straightforward extractions can easily devolve into challenging, stressful, and time-consuming situations,” she explains. “Therefore, we would like attendees to have more knowledge and feel more equipped to handle these scenarios and case selection. If in doubt, phone a friend or a local maxillofacial surgeon – we’re here to help.”