Tell us a little about yourself
I have spent the last 24 years in dentistry. I have worked as an associate dentist before moving to my own practice in Kensington. I have always been passionate about NHS dentistry and keen to treat nervous patients which inspired me to undertake a postgraduate Diploma in Conscious Sedation. I have also pursued interests in dental implantology by obtaining a postgraduate Diploma for dental implantology, and started working my way towards a Master’s degree. I am ambitious about improving NHS dentistry hoping to improve the standard of NHS dentistry for our NHS patients.
How did you first get involved in the LDC?
I saw the email from LDC inviting applications for the director post of Kensington and Chelsea. This has given me a great opportunity to get involved in making positive changes in NHS dentistry.
What has been a highlight for you so far of being involved in your LDC?
The great part in being an LDC Director are the regular meeting and networking with the other LDC Directors, sharing ideas and thoughts on NHS dentistry highlighting the hot topics and discussing them on the behalf of colleagues that we are representing.
Also explaining how dentistry works to the local stakeholders and working them to develop the NHS dental service in their area in accordance with local needs.
What skills have you developed as a result of your involvement with the LDC?
I have built up confidence in presenting and communicating issues that affecting patients and NHS dental providers and learned to be more open to listen to others’ ideas and to accept their points of view. Also ability to identify and to connect to relevant stakeholders according to the needs of the NHS dentistry.
How do you see yourself applying the skills you’ve developed at your LDC in your wider life and career?
I feel more confident in attending meetings and expressing my views even though they may differ from others, which has increased my confidence in speaking in public. I have also developed skills to help me look at things in a more analytical way.
What would you say to colleagues who are interested but hesitant to get involved in the LDC?
I would really recommend you join LDC to make your and your colleagues’ voices heard. The LDC will give you the opportunity to meet like minded dentists and to cooperate to make positive changes in our NHS system.
If LDCs didn’t exist what would that mean for the profession?
There would be no voice to represent dental practices and associates. Also stakeholders would not have a clear understanding of the best way to support NHS dentistry.
What do you do to relax outside of dentistry?
I take care of my family and my children. I am an excellent cook and enjoy trying many different cuisines. I spend my lunch time jogging in Holland Park. Also I love travelling around world to see different scenery and landscapes.I enjoy sewing and hands on hobbies like pottery, painting on glass which I’d like to develop more when i have more free time from dentistry in the future.
