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“Persevere despite the challenges but do so without worrying. It  all works out in the end.” This is what Dr. Roger Sayers said he wished he could go back and tell his younger self. After a longer than usual academic journey, Roger Sayers is now a Doctor of Dental Surgery. It is testimony to his view that it all works out eventually. This dentist is now doing what he loves, finding ways to give back to his communities and pursuing secondary loves and passions like cooking and baking. As he says “there is nothing to lose in learning a new skill”. This is his MENtions story:

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Education was always a top priority for my mom, who was a single parent. She also believed in balance. There was time for work and there was time for fun. In primary school, I was a part of the choir and in secondary school, I was a part of the scouts. As an only child, I spent a lot of time at my grandparents’ house with my cousins. I enjoyed going outdoors, playing with friends, riding around the neighborhood and playing board games and video games. My mom and I love movies and we would often visit the theatres to see the latest movies. I also enjoyed watching medical programmes such as ER and I am a big fan of Food Network. Perhaps this was prophetic, who knows?

The field of medicine always stood out to me. Initially I wanted to become a medical doctor.  However, in my late teenage years, visits to the dentist would have sparked a new interest and I developed a rapport with my mother’s dentist, who became one of my mentors. So, when it was time to select subjects for exams, I decided to pursue science subjects since the prerequisites for entry to dental school are passes in CXC Biology, Chemistry and Physics and passes in Biology, Chemistry and one other subject at A levels. One can also do the Pre Science and Agriculture Programme (N1) at The UWI Open Campus instead of A Levels.

My journey to becoming a dentist, however, was a bit longer as I was misinformed. When I completed CXC, I enquired about the requirements and was told that I can do an Associate Degree in Biology in place of A Levels to be accepted into dental school. One year into doing the Associate Degree, I realised that that information was inaccurate. I opted to complete it nonetheless. So, I spent two years at COSTAATT doing the degree in Biology, followed by the one year N1 programme. After this, I was accepted and headed to The UWI Mona, Jamaica campus, where I spent five years pursuing the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.

Studying in another country had its challenges.This was the first time I was away from family and friends for such an extended time period. I missed everyone. Adapting to a new culture was also a bit hard and adjusting to new cuisines was another challenge, perhaps the most challenging thing for me. For five years, I missed having hot cross buns for Easter (a family tradition I absolutely love) as it’s not a part of the Jamaican culture. There was one curry shop that my classmates and I would visit from time to time. That gave me a little piece of home. Let’s not forget the language barrier (haha). Jamaicans love speaking patois so grasping it, took me a while. In the early days, my flatmates (I lived on hall for a bit) would stop mid-convo because they realized I didn’t understand what was being said. Within a few months, I became  pretty good at understanding patois and by the end of my first year, I was pretty much comfortable. Despite these minor hurdles, Jamaica is a beautiful place and I look forward to visiting soon.

Throughout my academic journey, my family was a constant source of encouragement. I don’t regret choosing this path at all. I appreciate the endless possibilities for specialization and advance training that come with dentistry. The ability to impact the lives of so many patients through improving their smiles and my flexible working hours (Lol)  are added blessings of the job. 

Some of my fondest memories (thus far) are associated with my very young patients who may have been nervous and apprehensive but eventually lose their fear and become excited for their dental visits. Being able to visit my alma mater and give back to the college by providing dental screenings for students and staff members in 2018 and more recently, participating in a health fair in my community, were very rewarding experiences. I am also grateful for my patients who show appreciation for the care I provide. Their appreciation comes in the form of social media posts or referrals.

There is nothing to lose

Although having a full time job is fulfilling and tiring, I strongly believe in having alternative sources of income. Becoming a dental surgeon was one of many goals, so having accomplished that, I decided it was time to embark on a new journey. During the pandemic, I decided to do a baking course. Since then I’ve taken several baking courses and received certification in various aspects of baking. There’s nothing to lose in learning a new skill. I also love desserts so it made sense for me to learn to make them. I strongly believe that young persons should strive to diversify their skillset and put a little something extra in the “rainy day account”. There are many avenues for entrepreneurship if we examine our skills and develop other areas of ourselves.

At this stage of my life, I have various sources of inspiration. My mother has been a beacon of support and my deceased grandmother was extremely instrumental throughout every milestone. Her wisdom and support continue to inspire me to be better, even after her passing. My close circle of friends who are pushing the limits and establishing themselves in their fields, also inspire me in a great way.

In dentistry, Dr. Christiana Lee has been an absolutely amazing mentor. In the field of baking, I am extremely grateful to be trained by Chef Hannah-Marie, who is also a friend of mine. I really believe that it is good to find and maintain sources of inspiration as well as having mentors whose wisdom, counsel and experience can help to propel your career forward in so many ways.

Keep at  it

“Persevere despite the challenges but do so without worrying. It  all works out in the end.”  This is the type of advice I wish I could have given to my younger self. As a youth, we may become overwhelmed or despondent by the hurdles or delays but we must keep at  it. Keep going,  maintaining a clear sight of our goals.

To that teenager who may be confused about his career path, I want you to find something that is in demand and that you’re also passionate about. Do not miss the opportunity to receive a good education. Be informed and surround yourself with people who can strongly impact your life in a positive way. Do not underestimate the importance of networking and building a great circle.

Notwithstanding my full time job and being fully involved in the operations of my baking business, I still try to find balance and stick to a routine. I try to workout at the gym three days per week. On the weekends, I would spend time with my friends and visit my family. Sticking to a strict routine does help me to find and maintain the balance.

In a few years, I hope to complete additional advanced training in Cosmetic/Restorative Dentistry and expand my baking brand, Oui Indulge. I will keep at it and keep persevering and I want you to do the same!

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Roger is also an  alumnus of Richmond Street Boys’ Anglican School and Queen’s Royal College.