Goh Bee Tin: Running The Next Lap in Singapore’s Oral Health

As Clin Assoc Prof Goh Bee Tin steps into the pivotal role as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS), we look into the challenges and aspirations she faces and the path she envisions for the organisation.

By Danny Chan

Clinical Associate Professor Goh Bee Tin’s ascendancy to the position of CEO is built upon an illustrious career marked by significant contributions to oral health research, professional development, and public health administration.

She was honoured with the Osteopore Innovation Award for Clinical Tissue Engineering in 2008 and received the SingHealth GCEO Outstanding Clinician Researcher Award in 2014. Her commitment to education is evident through her roles as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Faculty of Dentistry at the National University of Singapore (NUS); an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU); ex-Deputy CEO for Research and Education at NDCS; and Founding Director at the National Dental Research Institute Singapore (NDRIS).

Under her leadership, NDCS has forged strategic alliances with prestigious institutions, including Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet, Japan’s Tohoku University, and local powerhouses Nanyang Technological University and A*STAR. These collaborations have led to remarkable growth in oral health research outcomes.

One of the hallmarks of A/Prof Goh’s tenure has been the elevation of NDCS’ clinical team to unprecedented heights. In a ground-breaking achievement, this team of dentists became the first in Singapore to be awarded the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) Talent Development Award in 2015, an honour they repeated in 2016, 2021, and 2023. This streak of accolades underscores NDCS’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

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Aligned Values

While A/Prof Goh’s journey to the helm of the organisation is marked by a lifelong dedication to oral health, her unwavering commitment to this field has been the guiding star of an illustrious career.

Asked about her thoughts and emotions upon taking up her latest prestigious leadership role, A/Prof Goh appears circumspect about self-promotion, preferring to focus on the task at hand.

“It’s a privilege to be given this responsibility. National Dental Centre Singapore has a significant role to play in improving oral health in our population. Our commitment at the Centre to excellence, innovation, and patient-centric care aligns well with my own professional values,” she shares.

“While this new role presents numerous challenges, my previous diverse experience in research, education, and clinical care has prepared me to bring together individuals within the organisation, including researchers, clinicians, and administrative staff, to work towards a common goal of improving our population’s health and enhancing patient outcomes and experiences.”

Tsunami Alert

Underlining the new CEO’s agenda list is a significant challenge facing Singapore – the demographic shift characterised as the “silver tsunami” due to the country’s rapidly aging population. Notably, oral health has emerged as the most prevalent chronic ailment, both within Singapore and on a global scale, surpassing the likes of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This shift, A/Prof Goh notes, is indicative of the gravity of the situation.

“As the population continues to age, there is a foreseen surge in the prevalence of oral diseases,” she stresses. 

“This, in turn, places substantial strain on the public healthcare system. Coupled with this demographic shift is a concerning lack of general awareness regarding oral health, particularly among specific segments of the population. 

“This intricate interplay between an aging demographic and varying levels of awareness presents a formidable challenge.”

While National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) primarily serves as a specialised tertiary care facility, A/Prof Goh cannot stress enough its steadfast commitment to population health. 

“Recognising the inadequacy of solely addressing downstream issues, the institution emphasises the critical importance of upstream prevention. Therefore, NDCS is dedicated to actively participating in the nation’s “Healthier SG” initiative,” she continues.

“Its focus lies in raising awareness of oral health within the population and promoting the adoption of good oral health practices to pre-empt the development of diseases, thus preventing them from reaching advanced stages requiring specialised care.”

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Visionary Researcher

A/Prof Goh’s vision extends far beyond the administrative corridors. She is a passionate researcher and the founding Director of the National Dental Research Institute Singapore (NDRIS), which acts as the catalyst for translating cutting-edge research into tangible therapies that enhance oral and overall health, not just within Singapore but across the globe.

Education is at the heart of A/Prof Goh’s mission. Her involvement in the clinical teaching of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) residents and her supervision of Master’s and PhD students from Singapore and esteemed international universities demonstrate her commitment to nurturing the next generation of dental professionals.

A/Prof Goh giving out the Oral Health Academic Clinical Programme Excellence in Teaching Awards 2022 for the Post Graduate and Auxiliary categories respectively to Dr See Toh Yoong Liang, Head, Prosthodontics Unit, Department of Restorative Dentistry and Ms Yap Xin Ying, Principal Oral Health Therapist.

 “I’m profoundly grateful for my diverse and multifaceted background, which enables me to view matters from various angles, encompassing research, innovation, education, and clinical perspectives,” she adds.

“With this multifaceted perspective, I aspire to foster a more robust integration among the three pillars of NDCS towards a shared objective – enhancing the well-being of our patients.”

A/Prof Goh regards the pillars of clinical practice, research, and education as the fundamental foundations of NDCS. During her tenure as Deputy CEO for Research and Education, she had the privilege of supervising the establishment of NDRIS, where she assumed the role of founding Director. 

Complacency Is Not An Option

NDCS has witnessed substantial growth in its research capabilities, buoyed by the expansion of both its research team and available resources. Embarking on a new phase, its indomitable leader believes she has her work cut out in building a more cohesive and collaborative fraternity of dental professionals.

“In order to sustain this spirit of research and innovation, particularly in staying at the forefront of the profession, it is imperative that clinicians are actively engaged,” A/Prof Goh emphasises.

“It cannot be a scenario where research is conducted in isolation from clinical work. Instead, clinicians need to articulate the clinical challenges they encounter and be motivated to innovate and improve rather than maintaining the status quo.

“Although our current patient outcomes may be satisfactory, complacency is not an option. Remaining stagnant would mean falling behind. Thus, clinicians must consistently foster innovation.”

To deepen on-the-job exchanges between clinicians and researchers, NDCS will soon establish a platform where clinicians can share the daily challenges they encounter in their clinical practice. This platform, known as Oral Health Research Innovation through Integrated Collaboration and Co-Creation (OHRIICC), consists of two components: COLLAB-OHRIICC and CO-CRE-OHRIICC.

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“COLLAB-OHRIICC serves as a bridge, bringing clinicians and researchers together through a structured process akin to speed dating. Clinicians provide a registry of clinical problem statements, and we match them with innovators and researchers who can collaborate to devise solutions,” she explains.

“On the other hand, CO-CRE-OHRIICC involves running workshops aimed at equipping clinicians with research and innovation skills, including design thinking, grant writing, and pitching. This component fosters collaboration between clinicians and researchers to develop prototypes and work together on long-term projects.”

Singapore Shows The Way Forward

It has often been said that Singapore punches above its weight in regional and global affairs. The same is true with regards to its standing in the arena of global health and scientific research. The Singaporean government has made substantial investments in the country’s research and development facilities and next-generation projects, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and materials. These investments are driving innovation in various sectors, including dentistry.

Among the significant Government initiatives, two involves National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS). First, NDCS has received an $18.3 million research grant for the development of next-generation jaw implants that promote bone regeneration. Collaborating with A*STAR Research Institute, the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), and Osteopore International, the project aims to simplify dental surgery processes, reduce operation time, and enhance patient recovery. This development aligns with the global market’s growing demand for dental bone transplants and dental membranes, estimated to be worth approximately S$12.3 billion.

Furthermore, NDCS and Temasek Foundation jointly piloted the Tele-Dentistry Oral Care for Seniors (T-DOCS) programme. This innovative programme utilises artificial intelligence (AI) to detect tooth decay, gum disease, and oral abnormalities among vulnerable seniors, including those who are homebound or residing in nursing homes. 

T-DOCS represents a crucial effort to improve oral care for seniors by offering early detection and regular monitoring of oral health.

Charting Singapore’s Oral Health Roadmap

On top of T-DOCS, the NDCS has rolled out several national programmes aimed at preparing the local oral healthcare establishments and the Singapore population at large for the impending silver tsunami. 

Project Silver Screen, for instance, was initiated by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Temasek Foundation. “Its primary goal is to screen our senior citizens in three crucial areas: hearing, seeing, and oral health which NDCS is supporting” A/Prof Goh adds.

Another initiative known as Teeth for Life encompasses a comprehensive, lifelong strategy for oral health, starting from infancy and continuing throughout a person’s life. 

“Some argue that it should even begin prenatally or at birth,” A/Prof Goh says. “The goal is to ensure that individuals, especially those reaching their 80s, retain a minimum of 20 teeth because research has shown that this is necessary for proper oral function.

“At each stage of life, individuals face distinct oral health risks, and as such, the approach to oral health should be tailored to these specific risk factors. Our aim is to create a holistic life course approach, which means developing programmes for people at different age groups. While some initiatives are already in place, we need to complete this comprehensive oral health roadmap.”

NDCS further introduced an Infant Oral Health Programme for children under two years old to educate parents about oral health and teach them how to care for their baby’s teeth. 

“Subsequently, we plan to establish a Pre-schooler Programme for preschool-aged children. Once they enter the school system, they will benefit from the well-established school dental service,” she elaborates.

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“The recent National Adult Oral Health Survey found that oral health remains good while individuals are in school, but it tends to deteriorate after they leave.

“To address this issue, we intend to enhance the preventive component of the school dental service, focusing on health education and prevention. We also aim to implement risk assessments, as different individuals have varying levels of caries risk. Based on these assessments, personalised care plans can be formulated.”

This approach, she notes, ensures efficient resource allocation, in such a way that those who need care receive it while reducing unnecessary visits for those with good oral health.

A New Dawn 

As A/Prof Goh Bee Tin assumes her new role at NDCS, the institution stands on the cusp of an exciting era in oral healthcare. Her rich experience, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence position NDCS to continue serving as a beacon of oral health, both in Singapore and around the world.

“We have many exciting projects ahead of us, including the move to the new NDCS building scheduled for 2027. This move represents a significant opportunity for us to not only transform our care but also to renew and reinvent ourselves,” she enthuses.

“Along with the exciting projects, we have many goals and objectives to meet on the horizon. However, achieving all these goals requires a delicate balance with staff wellness and well-being.

“Striking this balance between accomplishing our ambitious objectives for NDCS and improving oral health in our country while ensuring the happiness and high motivation of our staff is crucial. We must work together to achieve these goals effectively.”

With a clear vision and an illustrious legacy behind NDCS’ newly minted leader, the future of oral healthcare in Singapore looks brighter than ever.

Feature image: An artist’s impression of the new NDCS and SGH Elective Care Centre building, slated for opening in 2027