Tell us a little about yourself
I grew up in Nottingham and completed my dental degree in Liverpool in 2004. From there I moved to London for my foundation training year and had so much fun I have stayed here ever since!
Over the last 20 years I have worked in a number of different practices around London but spent the majority of my working life in Croydon as a general dental practitioner. In addition to this I have also been an educational supervisor for foundation dentists and still continue to work in Out of Hours Care in the evenings.
How did you first get involved in the LDC?
I first attended the LDC on the advice of a dental colleague and mentor of mine and quickly became involved in the changing structure of the LDC into what we have now and was then voted in as the Director for Croydon on the South West London LDC Board. In this role I firmly believe I can help support local dentists and also play an integral part in positively reshaping the dental landscape in South West London.
What has been a highlight for you so far of being involved in your LDC?
Being able to directly help my colleagues and making sure they know that they aren’t alone when problems arise.
What skills have you developed as a result of your involvement with the LDC?
So many more than I ever imagined I would and am still continuing to do so. I have developed skills in communication, networking, resilience and presenting both in person and online, to name just a few.
How do you see yourself applying the skills you’ve developed at your LDC in your wider life and career?
I now have a much greater ability to appreciate and analyse problems from many different viewpoints. As we all know, NHS dentistry is in an incredibly difficult place and I aim to show the major stakeholders in dentistry exactly how important our profession is to the public and how valuing it and investing in it benefits the wider NHS as a whole as well as the individual patient.
What would you say to colleagues who are interested but hesitant to get involved in the LDC?
Absolutely go for it, you won’t regret it! Anyone interested in developing their non-clinical side should definitely get in touch. It’s a wonderful opportunity to have your say on the profession within your local area and support your colleagues as well.
If LDCs didn’t exist what would that mean for the profession?
So many of the things the LDC does are too often never highlighted and without them I fear the protection and support for the individual dentist would disappear and the voice of the wider profession would go unheard.
What do you do to relax outside of dentistry?
Have as much fun as I possibly can! My two young children keep me incredibly busy and whenever possible I try to travel and explore the world!
