One on one with Dr. Arjuna Ellepolla

Give a brief description about your academic background:

I graduated as a dental surgeon with BDS (Hon) from the Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. I won the Gold Medal and the prize for the best dental undergraduate, having obtained distinctions in Microbiology, Pharmacology, Pediatric Dentistry, Community Dentistry, Dental Material Science and Oral Pathology. After graduation, I joined the same Faculty as lecturer in the Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology. Thereafter spent 4 years in Hong Kong and obtained my PhD from the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong. Soon after obtaining my PhD, I was at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA as a National Center for Infectious Diseases Resident Fellow for 2 years. I also received the International Emerging Infectious Diseases Fellowship from the CDC, but did not take it up as I assumed duties at Kuwait University. At the time of joining Kuwait University, I was serving as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology and Head of Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Dental Sciences.

Why did you select dentistry as a career?

I was offered to do Dentistry by the Ministry of Higher Education in Sri Lanka, and accepted the opportunity.

What are the obstacles you faced in your academic career?

Generally, things have been fine so far.

What do you think about dental students in Kuwait University?

Well this is my 7th month at the Kuwait University. During this brief period, I have had a very cordial relationship with the students. I have enjoyed teaching and the brief interactions I had with them. Cordial relationship between the academic staff and the students is a very important aspect in the University system and I hope it will further improve with time.

What is your advice to dental students to succeed in their career in dentistry?

Hard work, dedication, correct application of your knowledge and skills and patient care are very important. On top of that, I like the students to develop into respected members of a community of professionals.

What areas of specialization do you recommend in our carrier in dentistry?

Well it depends on your choice. However, you should think about the health care needs of the community when you select your specialty.

Any regrets in life?

Well nothing comes to my mind at this moment. In general, things have been quite OK with me. So far so good.

Any last words ?

Life is short. So enjoy while you can, without causing inconvenience to others.