(Note: This one was written several years ago when I was still a dental student. I believe this deserves to be posted again in this blog to serve as an inspiration.) ☺️

Almost every day of my life, I see a scrub suit. Each day, I see tooth doctors giving lectures, tooth doctors in duty, tooth doctors waiting at the infirmary. On my way to and from school and in the dental infirmary, I pass by dentists – some out to get lunch, some on their way home.

The scrub suit is not merely a clothing washed and worn over and over. It is not a uniform to recognize the dentists and clinicians from everyone else. Others think of it as a symbol of hope, of life, and the happiness one genuine smile can make into other people’s life.Some might think of it as a mark of respect, prestige, something to signify the long hours of studying, the painstaking road to earn a license, and the knowledge accumulated in the process. 

For me, the scrub suit is a battle suit. Every time I see a scrub suit, I can’t help but wonder at the story behind them. I think about the different patients this scrub suit has listened and treated to. I imagine the worries, the fears and the cries of pain this scrub suit had managed. I wonder all the tooth this scrub suit had cleaned, saved, restored and extracted.

I also try to picture the tiring and sleepless nights it had to endure. Those nights that you need an energizer or a cup of coffee just to keep you’re mind awake. The stress-induced weight gain/loss it was subjected to. The nervousness you might encounter everytime the quiz comes in front of you. (Wishing that everything’s gonna be alright and praying that you will ace the exam with a passing grade.)

I think of the moments of triumph when the oral diagnosis was right and when the person wearing scrub suit can start his/her duty. I imagine the joy of the person wearing it everytime one case or more have been approved by his/her clinical instructor. I also think of the times when the patient felt better, got well and when the person said thank you because of the dental service you’ve done. I also imagine the times when you think that this career path might not be the one destined for you so you want to go on and you want to give up.

The scrub suit no matter what happens is a witness to what a clinician goes through day in and day out. You can think of it as a reminder, a wake-up call to do one’s job, an indicator of the accountability and responsibility (literally) on one’s shoulders. 

It tells you that you’re a doctor (for students, you are going to be a doctor), not for yourself, but to remind you that you have a responsibility to create a smile that lasts a lifetime. It tells you that you have an oath to fulfill and that you have patients to attend to.

The scrub suit is not a mere shield and it doesn’t give a superhero power. But like many costumes, uniforms or outfits, it tells a story. The scrub suit is worn with honor and discipline: it is worn with a respectable mind, a compassionate heart, open ears, keen eyes and a pair of selfless hands.

To all person who wear their scrub suits, I salute you, not for wearing them, but for carrying out the responsibilities, for having an indomitable spirit, for willingly and steadfastly going into battle everytime you are in duty. You are working with live patients and you are creating a difference for them.

To those who wear scrub suits (yes, hello, students like me), hang in there. You’re several steps closer to that white coat and dream license. 😊 🙏

Love lots, A 💕