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A couple of articles are added each month with many more articles provided in the CAS's Maple Leaf Times (eMLT) magazine. To receive your eMLT magazine sent directly to your inbox (8 issues per year), become a member of the Canadian Association of Singapore. Visit the CAS website to register -- www.canadians.org.sg

Friday, March 1, 2024

Mac or PC?

 

If you really really have to choose...


It's become an age-old question – which is better? The answer? It depends.

For some it’s a religious choice. For others its budget. For the pragmatic among us, here is a list of pros and cons that can help inform your choice.

Mac:

Pros:

  1. Build Quality: Macs are known for their premium build quality and sleek design, appealing to users who prioritize aesthetics and durability.

  2. Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services, creating a cohesive user experience for those within the Apple ecosystem.

  3. Creative Software: Macs are favoured by creative professionals due to optimized software for graphic design, video editing, and music production.

  4. Security: Historically, MacOS has been considered more secure than Windows, with fewer malware threats and a robust security architecture.

Cons:

  1. Price: Macs tend to be more expensive than their PC counterparts, limiting accessibility for budget-conscious users.

  2. Limited Customization: Apple restricts hardware customization options, limiting user choices for upgrading or modifying their devices.

  3. Gaming: While the situation is improving, Macs historically have not been the choice for gamers, with fewer game titles natively available for MacOS.

PC:

Pros:

  1. Customization: PCs offer a wide range of customization options, allowing users to choose from various hardware configurations and manufacturers to suit their specific needs and budget.

  2. Software Compatibility: Windows has extensive software compatibility, supporting a broad range of applications for business, productivity, and entertainment.

  3. Gaming: PCs dominate the gaming scene, with a vast majority of games developed and optimized for the Windows platform.

  4. Affordability: In general, PCs can offer more budget-friendly options, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Cons:

  1. Build Consistency: The wide range of manufacturers can result in varying build qualities, and not all PCs may match the premium build standards of Macs.

  2. Ecosystem Fragmentation: Unlike the integrated Apple ecosystem, PCs may not offer the same level of seamless integration between different devices and services.

  3. Security Concerns: Windows is more susceptible to malware and security threats. However, recent versions have slightly improved security measures.


Do I really need root canal treatment?



Root canal treatment (RCT) is a dental procedure that is performed to save a tooth that might otherwise have to be removed due to extensive tooth structure loss, inflammation or infection. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can result in pain and swelling. A tooth remains infected until RCT is completed, or the tooth is extracted. While the pain may subside with the aid of medication, the infection will not go away without treatment. Patients are encouraged to seek treatment promptly to prevent the infection from spreading and causing damage to surrounding structures such as bone or sinus.

Signs or symptoms that might indicate that you may need a root canal treatment include:

• Sensitivity/pain when biting or applying pressure to the tooth

• Prolonged sensitivity to cold and hot sensations

• Swollen or tender gums, or the presence of a bump/pimple on the gums (abscess)

• Discoloration (Darkening) of the tooth

• Chipped, fractured, cracked or heavily worn-down teeth with other signs or symptoms

On the other hand, a tooth with a damaged or infected pulp may not cause any pain or discomfort. Without proper treatment, these teeth may further deteriorate and lose their potential to be saved.

Need a professional opinion? Schedule a consult with our dental specialist team to determine if a root canal treatment is a suitable option for you.


Dr Irene Sim is an Endodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Endodontics from the National University of Singapore. Dr Sim has a special interest in dental traumatology, revascularization, apexification, non-vital bleaching & cracked teeth management.

www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Will AI steal my job?

How to navigate the new reality

The impact of AI on employment is a multifaceted and evolving phenomenon that is reshaping the landscape of work across various industries. While concerns about job displacement make good news headlines, it is important to recognize that the integration of AI technologies also brings about new opportunities and transforms the nature of many occupations.

Automation, driven by AI, has the potential to streamline routine and repetitive tasks, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. This, however, may result in the displacement of certain jobs in industries such as manufacturing, customer service, and data entry. As machines become more adept at performing specific tasks, there is a risk that low-skilled jobs may be at greater jeopardy.

Conversely, the rise of AI creates a demand for skills that complement and collaborate with these technologies. Jobs centred around the development, maintenance, and supervision of AI systems become increasingly vital. Additionally, roles requiring human qualities such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving are less susceptible to automation. As AI takes over mundane tasks, there is a growing need for human skills that involve critical thinking, adaptability, and interpersonal communication.

Moreover, the integration of AI is fostering the emergence of entirely new industries and job categories. Fields such as artificial intelligence research, machine learning engineering, and AI ethics are expanding, providing employment opportunities for individuals with specialized knowledge and expertise in these domains.


What can you do?

  • Consider focusing on developing skills that complement and enhance technological advancements.

  • Emphasize areas where human capabilities, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving, excel.

  • Cultivate a strong foundation in critical thinking and adaptability, as these traits are less easily automated.

  • Stay informed about emerging technologies and their applications within your industry. Proactively seek opportunities for upskilling and training in areas related to AI, machine learning, and data analysis.

  • Nurture interpersonal skills and effective communication, as these remain integral to many roles and are challenging for AI to replicate.

  • Finally, consider networking and building relationships within your industry to stay connected with evolving trends and potential opportunities.


We all need to develop a collaborative approach to AI systems, embracing them as tools to enhance your productivity rather than viewing them as adversaries.



Ask the Dentist: How to treat gum disease?

 


Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, involves inflammation of the tissues supporting your teeth caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque. While inadequate oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, some individuals are more susceptible to this condition despite diligent brushing and flossing.

Gum disease typically starts with swollen and bleeding gums. It can progressively affect the bones surrounding your gums without proper treatment, resulting in teeth loss and a diminished quality of life. As the initial stages of gum disease may be pain-free, it is crucial to look out for symptoms signaling gum disease:

  • Red and swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums when brushing teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Shaky teeth
  • Teeth sensitivity
  • Increasing spaces between teeth
  • Persistent bad breath

There are three common types of treatment for gum disease.

  1. Scaling and root planing removes any plaque from your teeth and developed gum pockets, and smoothens the tooth roots to facilitate the reattachment of the gums to your teeth.

  2. Gum flap surgery is recommended if scaling and root planing does not successfully resolve gum inflammation and deep gum pockets, which are subsequently closed with stitches so the gums hug snugly around the teeth.

  3. Bone graft surgery is needed when gum disease has damaged the bone supporting your teeth. The surgery repairs the affected area using materials such as membrane filters and bone grafts to stimulate bone and tissue regeneration.

Prevention is always better than cure. To maintain good oral hygiene,

  • Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
  • Visit your Periodontist/dentist twice a year
  • Floss once a day

Visit a dental specialist or dentist to seek a professional opinion if you notice any unusual signs.



Dr. Daylene Leong is a Dental Specialist in Periodontics with Specialist Dental Group®She received her training in the specialty area of Periodontology from the University of Michigan, USA. Dr Leong is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. She has a special interest in periodontal regeneration, gingival aesthetic and plastic surgery, and dental implants.

www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883