Good Teeth × Ou Yao | “I want to return the resources the industry has given me to the industry.”

This episode's guest: Ou Yao

President of Guangdong Private Dental Association (2013-present) / Chairman of the Grassroots Working Committee of China Foundation for Prevention and Treatment of Dental Diseases (2018-2021) / Supervisor of Guangdong Stomatological Association / Editor-in-Chief of the journal "Dentist" / Chairman of Southern Dental Alliance (2013-present)

He previously served as Vice President of Guangdong Provincial Stomatological Hospital, Director of Guangdong Provincial Dental Prevention Office, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Director of the Editorial Department of the journal "Guangdong Dental Disease Prevention and Treatment", Vice Chairman of Guangdong Medical Science Popularization Writers Association, and Consultant of the Private Branch of Chinese Stomatological Association.

He has edited and published 5 monographs, over 60 academic papers, over 50 management research papers, and over 1200 popular science works. He has received provincial-level scientific research achievement awards 3 times, and has been awarded the titles of National Dental Prevention Work Model, one of the National Top 100 "Oral Health Guardians" Experts, and Senior Popular Science Writer of Guangdong Province. His works, "Dentist's Notes" and "Oral Health Handbook for Pregnant Women and Infants," won the Guangdong Provincial Excellent Book Creation Award.

There's something I've always found strange: the title "teacher" has gradually become an everyday form of address somewhere between "General Manager X" and "Mr./Ms. X." Calling someone "General Manager X" feels formal and distant; calling someone "Mr./Ms. X" lacks the warmth and intimacy of casual conversation. Thus, "teacher" has often become a neutral yet polite term that can be used.

Frankly speaking, I have some prejudice against this, and I don't want the title "teacher" to become increasingly meaningless in modern social activities.

I first met Teacher Ou at an industry gathering.

At the large round table, Professor Ou sat in the main seat, clearly the "honored one" of the gathering. The conversation ranged from industry development and capital choices to digital management… but aside from providing necessary answers, this respected figure remained mostly silent. He didn't offer any pronouncements or criticisms, spending most of his time quietly listening to the diverse viewpoints expressed by different people.

During the meal, another senior colleague suggested that I offer tea to Professor Ou. At that time, I only knew that the person I was offering tea to was the host of the event, who was also known in the industry as the president and dean... a pioneer who had "blazed a trail" in the field of private dentistry in South China and even nationwide. However, this series of "distant honors" clearly did not become the inevitable standard of respect for young people today.

However, before I even got close, Professor Ou had already raised his cup and stood up, his fine lines at the corners of his eyes slightly raised, waiting for me. When he raised his cup, he didn't deliberately stand above his junior. So I still remember that the teacups were light, and the two white porcelain cups clinked together lightly, as if a subtle balance and equality had been achieved between different generations.

Frankly, aside from the refreshing elegance of that toast, I didn't retain much of the other details of the dinner that day. That is, until Xiao Wen, a young colleague who had worked with Professor Ou, also became my colleague. After nearly a year and a half together, I know she is insightful and has a clear sense of right and wrong. In her account, all her positions and fame were set aside, revealing a more concrete and relatable person.

Strictly speaking, Ms. Ou was not Xiao Wen's teacher, nor even her direct superior. But in her almost tearful story, we saw an unconventional "teacher-student interaction"; we also saw a spirit of the times that transcends conventional paradigms within the dental industry.

Entrusted by him, we invited Mr. Ou, whom this young man truly respects, to be a guest on "Chatting" in the name of the younger generation. We hope to record this teacher's story and thoughts, and also use this as a Teacher's Day gift to our colleague Xiao Wen to express our gratitude.

Yueyue

2021.9.10

Main feature screening

Welcome to the video room to watch "A Chat | Good Teeth × Ou Yao"

Postscript

Throughout the interview, Professor Ou never interrupted the young man's questions, even some of which were relatively sharp and likely to make the interviewee ponder deeply.

He listened so sincerely before answering gently. Often, fearing I wouldn't understand, he would smile, look me in the eye, and repeat himself to make sure I fully understood.

I've also heard another anecdote: Before attending an event, Professor Ou would always read his prepared remarks several times before speaking. He was almost demanding of himself, yet he always kept the outside world in mind.

Although he attributes most of his life's achievements to the opportunities of the times and the guidance of his predecessors, his life and deeds clearly show us that he was so sincere that he gradually achieved this enduring fame; and beneath this fame, he still yearns to touch and cultivate fresh "blood." Perhaps, the flourishing of students is certainly a teacher's blessing, but cultivating industry talents is the true answer to his career.

However, he also had unfulfilled dreams and current regrets. As he said, "Conquering a country is easy, but maintaining it is difficult; it requires generation after generation..."

Therefore

Regardless of rank or age

Where the Way exists, the teacher exists.

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