At 16, I was told that I needed a root canal treatment. I had no idea what that meant, so I picked up a health encyclopaedia to see what it involved. The procedure sounded fascinating because I have always enjoyed practical things and grew up in a very scientific household. In the end the root canal was unnecessary, and although that was a relief, I remember feeling oddly disappointed to not experience it. That curiosity stayed with me.
This early interest led me to spend a lot of time shadowing a local dentist. What struck me immediately was the strength of the relationships he had built after many years in the same practice. I could see how much his patients appreciated him, and some even got him Christmas cards.
Finding purpose in special care dentistry
When I qualified, I began working in a hospital with an emergency walk‑in clinic. Many of the patients I saw had no other means of accessing dental care. Some were experiencing homelessness; others lived with dementia or were unable to visit a GDP for a wide range of reasons. Providing pain relief or carrying out a simple intervention often changed their day and had a huge impact. It helped them eat, engage with rehabilitation programmes, or simply feel more comfortable.
Special Care Dentistry appealed to me because of the impact treatment has on patients’ lives.
Special Care Dentistry appealed to me because of the impact treatment has on patients’ lives. It also requires problem solving and creativity when thinking about how to help patients who can’t tolerate long appointments or follow instructions easily. Finding ways to adapt is part of what makes it so rewarding.
Working closely with patients and their advocates is key. I feel a responsibility to be a voice for people who might not otherwise be heard, both in terms of improving their oral health, and in the broader context of their lives which are often unstable depending on their additional needs. Being able to contribute in that way is something that continues to motivate me.
Why professional membership matters in dentistry
If you are thinking of joining the BDA, I highly recommend going to an event and speaking to colleagues who are already involved. Most events are open to non-members and are a great opportunity to get a feel for what the community is like. I always see familiar faces, and it is nice to catch up with colleagues from different sectors.
Being a member has given me the opportunity to contribute to committees, which has helped my personal and professional growth. I also know colleagues who have experienced difficult situations and have been able to turn to the BDA for support. Once you start learning what membership offers, you really do see the value of it.
As an employed hospital dentist, being a member is a huge advantage for me.
As an employed hospital dentist, being a member is a huge advantage for me because of the access to accredited representation and support available. I regularly look at the website resources, because what you need changes depending on what you are doing and the stage of your career. Recently I have looked at a lot of different advice especially employment, maternity and pensions. There are a lot of resources out there, but it is important to have access to information on dentistry from a reliable source.
There are a lot of resources out there, but it is important to have access to information on dentistry from a reliable source.
Standing for election and stepping into leadership
As a dentist, it is easy to see what could be improved, but as a BDA member you can also be part of making the structural changes that you want to see. Your voice is heard, and that has a direct impact on our patients. At the BDA, people from different areas of dentistry have a place to come together and feed into shaping the future of our profession.
Standing for election to the board was the result of encouragement from a mentor who always championed me, and I am deeply grateful for that support. I am so excited about the next three years.
Prior to being elected to the board, my involvement with the Young Dentists’ Committee (YDC) was something I really enjoyed. Spending three years on the committee, including a term as chair, shaped my professional development and gave me the confidence to step forward for senior roles within the BDA. It was here that I discovered how much I enjoy dental politics, networking, and being part of a wider movement.
Through committee work I learned how the BDA functions, how committees connect, and how this influences the profession at national level. I met colleagues from across sectors, including some of the most recognisable names in dentistry. Chairing meetings taught me the value of preparation, and how to be effective in meetings. The YDC was a hub that fed into the board, and it is interesting to be on the receiving end of that work now.
Dentistry is a diverse profession, and representation matters. More than half of dentists are women. I feel strongly about advocacy and inclusion, so want to ensure that a wide range of voices are heard.
My goals for the next stage of my dental career
Serving on the board is different from committee work. It is not only about representing the profession, but also about understanding how the BDA operates as a business and ensuring that our strategic direction reflects the needs of members. Dentistry is changing rapidly, and we are evolving with it. I hope to play a meaningful part in shaping that future.
Dentistry is changing rapidly, and we are evolving with it.
Working in a hospital setting, I care for people who are particularly vulnerable. This means that I am acutely aware of the consequences of access issues. People who face the greatest challenges in their daily lives are often the ones most affected when dental services are stretched. I want this perspective to inform our discussions, particularly as we continue our work on contract reform.
I now have the confidence to know that my voice matters, and that the voices of those I represent matter. I am really looking forward to contributing to the board’s work over the next three years, and perhaps longer. We will see where my journey leads. It has been an unexpected journey from that first moment of curiosity, but it is one that continues to shape my purpose in dentistry every day.
