Tell us a little about yourself
I studied dentistry with a sprinkling of medicine. After that, just to shake things up, I did a Master’s degree in Cancer Research before completing a course in Global Health Delivery and Healthcare Equity from Harvard. I have worked in the research field but mainly in varied clinical fields over the years in Primary and Secondary care. For the past 20 years I have been a joint principal in a large, almost exclusively NHS practice in the borough of Westminster.
How did you first get involved in the LDC?
I had been going for many years to meetings as I had always been interested in contributing to changes in our profession and keeping up to date with new regulations. I was then proposed to stand for the position of Chair of Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster LDC (as it was known) by the LDC itself and was elected to the post, the rest is history!
What has been a highlight for you so far of being involved in your LDC?
Feeling that I have a voice to contribute to our profession and that this voice could help improve the wellbeing of patients and the working conditions of dental practitioners.
What skills have you developed as a result of your involvement with the LDC?
An ability to identify and connect to relevant stakeholders. I have also tried to develop a drive to be more solution focussed.
How do you see yourself applying the skills you’ve developed at your LDC in your wider life and career?
Having an understanding of what changes can and should be made in Dentistry and being able to identify relevant stakeholders has definitely helped me put myself in patients’ shoes to see what they need and deserve out of our profession. It has made me understand what unites dentists and what are the non-negotiables to run a productive, happy team for the benefit of both our patients and ourselves.
What would you say to colleagues who are interested but hesitant to get involved in the LDC?
As Nike coined it decades ago; “just do it”! Although there is a time commitment, it is worth it for the seat at the proverbial table. NHS dentists need to be making decisions about NHS dentistry, if you feel that way then you must join the only group dedicated exclusively to NHS dentists and the practice of NHS dentistry.
If LDCs didn’t exist what would that mean for the profession?
We would be doomed to have our decisions made by authorities that haven’t got a clue what the day to day of carrying out NHS dentistry truly is.
What do you do to relax outside of dentistry?
Write children’s books! I am a published children’s book author and use this pass time to keep me sane!
