CIS alumna scores debut with Singapore’s Lionesses

 

CIS alumna Kyra Taylor at her national team debut against Macau

(Photo by Football Association of Singapore)

“It's an indescribable feeling to have achieved my dream of representing Singapore at the international level. Playing against Macau, and scoring a goal on my debut match in front of my family is a moment I'll cherish forever,” says Canadian International School (CIS) alumna Kyra Taylor.

A rising star in the football scene, Kyra’s journey has been remarkable. She captained Singapore's under-17 team at just 15 and later represented Singapore in several tournaments. Her crowning moment came in summer 2024, when she made her debut for the Singapore Lionesses.

Her growing talent was quickly recognised in Singapore where she was awarded the Unleash the Roar! (UTR) scholarship. Kyra was one of five young athletes selected to study and train at the IMG Academy in Florida, USA—a top global sports school. 

Off the pitch, Kyra's ambitions extend into the field of sports psychology. Earlier this year, she accepted an offer to pursue a master’s degree in Psychology at the University of St Andrews. “I’m excited to deepen my understanding in human behaviour and performance, and potentially work with athletes to enhance their mental game,” she says.

Kyra credits CIS for providing her a solid academic foundation from young. “CIS prepared me well with its rigorous IB programme. When I transitioned to the American High School Diploma at IMG, I was able to tackle new subjects like Forensic Science, American History, and Composition easily,” she shares.

She also mentioned how incredibly supportive the CIS community was of her move overseas. “From the principal to the university advisory team, even after graduating, they continued to guide and encourage me as I navigated the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) application process.”

Book a tour to learn more about the CIS experience. 

Ask the Dentist: How to treat gummy smiles?

 

A “gummy smile” refers to individuals who reveal a larger portion of their gums when they smile, making their teeth seem shorter in relation to their gums. 

Even though individuals with gummy smiles may have healthy teeth and gums, they might feel self conscious about their smiles, which can affect their confidence. Fortunately, there are treatments available to address this concern. 

Gummy smiles may arise due to: 

• Excessive display of gums due to the abnormal teeth eruption 

• Hyperactive lip muscles which cause the upper lip to rise higher than usual when smiling, showing more gum tissue 

• Prominent upper jaw 

• Prominent position of upper front teeth 

• Severely worn teeth, resulting in the teeth looking shorter relative to the gums.

There are a few treatment options, such as: 

1. Crown lengthening (gum surgery) reshapes excess gum tissue and underlying bone. Crowns or veneers may be used afterwards to achieve the desired aesthetic look. The process takes about an hour, followed by the removal of stitches after a week or two. 

2. Orthodontics (alignment of the teeth), crowns, and/or jaw surgery may be required if the gummy smile is caused by the front teeth positioned too far forward. 

3. Protein injections can treat the upper lips’ hyperactive muscles. The 10-minute procedure consists of a few tiny injections. 

If you require dental crowns, there is a waiting period of about 1-3 months before the final crowns are placed. If braces and/or jaw surgery are required, the treatment timeline may be extended. However, rest assured that you will consistently have a complete smile throughout the entire treatment duration. 

With meticulous planning and execution, the results of gum surgery can last for years.

 Professional follow-up will be essential for successful long-term treatment outcomes, ensuring your smile is well cared for. 

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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

AI and Medical Technology

 There’s a lot going on

Here we begin a short series on the impact of AI on Medical Technology. First up – EHRs. Electronic Health Records.

Easily the most pervasive impact of technology on the medical community is how we document and share patient health information. Can you imagine 20 years ago when all they had was paper?

Electronic health records solve so many problems for us both as patients and as providers. In Southeast Asia, Singapore and Malaysia are leading the way in this field. Singapore, for example, has implemented a National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) system that allows for the sharing of patient information across public and private healthcare institutions. With the power of AI, the depth of functionality of these systems has the potential to shower us with new functionality, better interoperability and closer engagement between doctor and patient.

Pros of AI in EHRs

  There are many many pros, too many to list here. But by far and away the single largest boost that AI gives to medical technology is Enhanced Clinical Decision Support

• AI can analyse vast amounts of patient data within EHRs to provide real-time clinical decision support. This includes predictive analytics for identifying patients at risk of certain conditions, personalized treatment recommendations, and automated alerts for potential adverse drug interactions or deviations from care protocols.

Cons of AI in EHRs

The single biggest red flag in the AI / MedTech debate revolves around Privacy and Security Risk.

• The use of AI in EHRs raises some concerns about data privacy and security. AI systems require access to large amounts of patient data, which increases the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. Ensuring the security of AI algorithms and the data they process is critical.

Conclusion

AI has the potential to significantly enhance EHR systems by improving clinical decision-making, personalizing care, and increasing efficiency. However, successful integration requires addressing challenges related to data quality, usability, security, and ethical considerations. Balancing these factors is crucial to realizing the full benefits of AI in EHRs while minimizing potential risks.

Ask the Dentist: What Happens When You Take a Break from Wearing Your Clear Aligners?

 

Clear aligners (such as Invisalign) offer a comfortable and modern approach to straightening teeth, without traditional braces. Typically worn 20 to 22 hours a day, these custom-made trays gradually align your teeth. They need to be changed according to the interval stipulated by your orthodontist, usually 7-14 days, as your teeth move closer to their desired positions. What happens if you take a break from wearing them?

Taking a break from wearing aligners, even briefly, can significantly affect your treatment progress. Clear aligners work by applying consistent pressure to gently move your teeth. When you stop wearing them, even for a day or two, your teeth may begin to shift back to their original positions. Also known as a dental relapse, this regression can undo some of the progress you've made. You might have to wear your current aligners longer before moving on to the next one.

Longer breaks can lead to even more noticeable setbacks. If you stop wearing your aligners for a week or more, your teeth could shift enough that your current aligners no longer fit. In such circumstances, you may need to revert to a previous set of aligners or even have a new series made, significantly extending your treatment time and possibly increasing the overall treatment fee.

It's also worth noting that taking breaks can cause discomfort when you start wearing your aligners again. Your teeth may have shifted slightly, making the aligners feel tighter and more uncomfortable than before.

In summary, consistency is critical to the success of your aligner treatment. To achieve the best results, it's crucial to wear your aligners as advised by your orthodontist, minimising breaks to ensure steady progress and a smoother journey toward your perfect smile!

Dr Soh Shean Han is an Orthodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Orthodontics from University of Washington-Health Sciences School of Dentistry, USA. She is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with National University of Singapore and a Visiting Associate Consultant at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore. Dr Soh provides orthodontic treatment across all ages, including young kids and adults. She has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and the management of jaw deformities. vwww.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883