Smiles In Focus: Dr Safar At Bayside Dental

You may have already spotted a new face at Bayside Dental. Originally from Ukraine, Dr Safar Baisov joined the practice 10 months ago after spending a decade working in Beijing, bringing with him extensive experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, dental surgery and complex root canal treatment. 

For Dr Safar, Hong Kong offered the perfect next step. “It’s more international – and it was a climate choice; I like the warmer weather,” he opens. “Beijing was a great experience, challenging; I learnt a lot there and met some amazing people. But Hong Kong is somewhere to settle long-term, somewhere to plan retirement.” 

Although he currently lives in Central, Dr Safar already sees DB as his future home. “DB is a great place to get to know people – you bump into them on the ferry, at the supermarket. In Central, I don’t know my neighbours. In DB, you really live with the community. I will move here after a few years, when I get married and have a family.” 

PRECISION, PASSION AND PATIENT CARE 

Dr Safar splits his time between Bayside Dental’s DB North and South clinics and its sister practice Smith & Jain Dentists in Central. He has recently installed a surgical microscope for root canal treatments at the DB North clinic, allowing more precise treatment for complex cases in DB. 

“I like to do work with my hands and dentistry is all about this,” he explains. “It’s important to be sensitive to detail and I like to do work that’s very, very detailed. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and in dentistry that’s actually not a disadvantage, it’s a big advantage.” 

Helping patients regain their smile is what motivates Dr Safar most. “Through dentistry, you can create positive change in someone’s life – making them feel more comfortable and more confident. And you do this with your skills, with your hands.” 

That patient-centred philosophy was shaped by an early mentor. “The most important lesson I learned was to listen. People need to feel heard. They’re not always looking for perfection or miracles; they want someone who understands what matters to them.” 

When it comes to preventing dental problems, however, Dr Safar’s advice couldn’t be simpler. “The biggest issue I see is tooth decay, and it’s a simple thing to prevent if you follow basic hygiene rules,” he says. “Most cavities form in between the teeth not on the surface, which is why you need to floss as well as brush.” 

Whether providing a routine check-up or advanced dental work, Dr Safar wants every patient to leave feeling the same way. “I hope they feel they’ve been listened to, understood and cared for.” 

SOUNDBITES 

Q: What’s the one piece of dental advice everyone should follow?

A: Floss every day. 

Q: How often should we visit the dentist?

A: Adults should have a hygiene clean every six months and see a dentist at least once a year. Children should see a dentist every six months. 

Q: Manual or electric toothbrush?

A: Whichever you prefer, both are good for the job. Electric brushes are especially helpful for the elderly, as are water flossers. 

Q: Hard or soft brush?

A: Soft. I use an Ebisu soft toothbrush. 

Q: How do parents encourage good dental habits in young children?

A: Parents need to educate their kids about dental hygiene every day. It’s important to assist children under seven years with brushing, particularly night brushing. 

Q: Is teeth whitening safe?

A: Yes. When used correctly and under the advice of your dentist. 

Q: Favourite toothpaste?

A: Any fluoride toothpaste that isn’t abrasive. The brand isn’t important but avoid whitening toothpastes.

Q: Mint or salt?

A: Flavour is up to you. Salt is good for gum disease but I don’t recommend using it daily.

Q: Best celebrity smile?

A: Julia Roberts.