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Mountains and molars: An elective experience in Kathmandu

BDJ Student volume 32, pages 114–115 (2025)Cite this article

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During our time in Nepal, we attended language lessons where we learnt simple but practical phrases like ‘dukha' (pain) and ‘mukha' (mouth). Using a few words of Nepali not only helped us communicate more effectively but also demonstrated respect for the local culture, building rapport with our patients. These experiences have strengthened our ability to communicate empathetically and effectively across language barriers, a skill set essential for inclusive, person-focused care in an increasingly multicultural society in the UK.

Our time in Nepal reinforced the importance of carrying out person-focused care regardless of the setting we are in and making the most of the resources at our disposal. It was an incredible experience that broadened our clinical knowledge, enhanced our adaptability to new techniques and materials, and deepened our cultural awareness and appreciation. We would encourage dental students to make the most of any opportunity to work and understand healthcare abroad as experiences like these offer invaluable insights that enhance both professional and personal growth.

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Reference

  1. World Health Organisation. Non-age-standardised estimates of current tobacco use, tobacco smoking and cigarette smoking (Tobacco control: Monitor). 2024. Available from: https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/gho-tobacco-control-monitor-current-tobaccouse-tobaccosmoking-cigarrettesmoking-nonagestd-tobnonagestdcurr (accessed July 2025).

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  1. Cardiff Dental School, Cardiff, United Kingdom

    Shivani Rathod & Eera Chadha

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  1. Shivani Rathod
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  2. Eera Chadha
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Correspondence to Shivani Rathod.

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Rathod, S., Chadha, E. Mountains and molars: An elective experience in Kathmandu. BDJ Student 32, 114–115 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41406-025-1537-5

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