Dr Babar Usman Wahid brings extensive clinical, leadership, and teaching experience to his new role as Director for Wandsworth in the SWL LDC . A graduate of Guy’s, King’s & St Thomas’ Hospitals, he holds Membership of the Joint Dental Faculty of the Royal College of Surgeons (MJDF) and a Master’s in Clinical Dentistry (Implants).
With a strong background in oral surgery and implant dentistry, Dr Wahid is committed to advancing clinical standards and nurturing professional development across the dental team. Alongside his clinical work, he has been actively involved in mentoring and postgraduate training, helping colleagues enhance their skills and confidence. In his new role, he will continue to promote excellence in patient care, evidence-based practice, and high-quality governance throughout the Wandsworth network.
What inspired you to get involved in the LDC?
I was inspired to take on the Director role for LDC Wandsworth by a desire to help shape a supportive, forward-thinking clinical environment where every practitioner can deliver their best work. Having seen the impact that strong leadership and shared learning can have on both patient outcomes and professional fulfilment, I’m keen to build a culture that values collaboration, mentoring, and continuous improvement.
What are you most looking forward to about being a Director of your LDC?
I’m most looking forward to working closely with colleagues across Wandsworth to support high-quality, consistent care for our patients. This role provides a great opportunity to bring clinicians together and strengthen the network through collaboration and education. I’m particularly excited about helping to mentor and develop practitioners at all stages of their careers, ensuring that our local dental community continues to grow in confidence, capability, and cohesion
What do you think are the big challenges facing NHS dentistry?
One of the biggest challenges facing NHS dentistry is maintaining access to high-quality care amidst increasing demand and workforce pressures. Recruitment and retention remain difficult, particularly as clinicians and support staff seek better work-life balance and professional fulfilment. Alongside this, rising costs, contractual limitations, and patient expectations place additional strain on practices. Addressing these issues will require collaboration, innovation, and strong advocacy, ensuring that NHS dentistry remains sustainable, rewarding for clinicians, and focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for patients
How do you see the LDC helping to tackle those challenges?
I believe the LDC has a vital role in giving local dentists a collective voice and practical support. By fostering communication between practitioners, commissioners, and professional bodies, we can help ensure that local concerns are heard and addressed. I see the LDC as a platform for collaboration — sharing best practice, providing mentorship, and creating opportunities for continuing education
What does NHS dentistry mean to you?
NHS dentistry represents the foundation of accessible, patient-centred care, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to maintain good oral health. For me, it’s about community service and fairness, and the responsibility of helping patients regain confidence, comfort, and trust in their dental care.
If LDCs didn’t exist what would that mean for the profession?
Without LDCs, the profession would lose a vital link between local dentists, commissioners, and policymakers. LDCs provide an organised, collective voice that ensures the realities of clinical practice are represented in decision-making. They also create a sense of community such as offering peer support and shared learning that help sustain morale and professional standards. Without that structure, dentists could feel more isolated and less empowered to influence the future of NHS dentistry.
What do you do to relax outside of dentistry?
Staying fit is important for both mental and physical well-being, so I regularly take part in fitness challenges such as Tough Mudder and local Parkruns. I also enjoy travelling and experiencing new cultures, both in London and around the world. Balancing these activities with family time helps me recharge and maintain perspective.
