(Dentistry BDS, 2015)
I thoroughly enjoy seeing nervous patients and watching them grow in confidence.
Why did you choose to study at Barts and the London in particular?
I am a Londoner born and raised, so I was determined to study at one of the two London dental schools. Barts stood out for me in particular, as the year group is roughly half the size of King’s. This meant that I knew almost everyone not only in my own year but also the years above and below. Barts is also in the trendier part of London.
What aspects of your degree did you find most enjoyable? What modules did you like learning about and was there anything that surprised you in your studies?
The most enjoyable part was being on clinic. At Barts we start see patients very early in our second year and for me the practical teaching beats sitting in a lecture theatre. I had the most fun on the emergency clinic. Patients in pain would queue from 6am and helping them was very rewarding. I was surprised with the overall lack of essay writing. I don’t think I had any assignments over 2000 words.
What was special about your time at Barts and The London? Can you give one or two examples of your most memorable moments?
Most of my current friends group I met at Barts. We all have very fond memories of our time spent together here. Particularly getting ready in fancy dress for The Dental Beer Race. Barts has a good link with Tsurumi University Dental Hospital in Yokohama, Japan. I was lucky to spend two weeks there for my elective placement.
Tell us about your career as a Dentist and your specialism. What led you into this career path?
After completing vocational training, I spent a year working as a Maxillofacial SHO in Luton and Dunstable Hospital. This year taught me invaluable skills of managing of dental emergencies and core surgical skills. I have spent that last few years working in general practice, mainly focusing on restorative dentistry and creating beautiful smiles.
What is the best part of your everyday job?
Has your work been affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and how have you had to adapt?
We were closed for the first three months. This weird time allowed for much needed rest and reflection. Since returning, we have put extra measures in place to keep ourselves, the rest of our team and our patients safe.
You are also a co-founder of a start-up. Tell us about your involvement with the NOQ group and what it is.
NOQ is a mobile ordering platform for events, venues and takeaways. Our mission is to enhance customers' experiences by eliminating the need to queue to order food, drink and merchandise. We have been developing this for two years now and launched onto the app stores last July. Our app has allowed for the events industry to re-open safely as customers can place orders from a socially safe distance. We are also partnered with various restaurants and pubs where customers order from their phones and this is then delivered to their table. For more info please see: www.noqgroup.com
What message would you share with students and young alumni just starting their career?
For students, get involved with any societies or sport that excite you. This will open up your social circle way further than just your fellow classmates. For young graduates, invest in good magnification and a good camera. The more you can see, the easier dentistry will become and there is no better education than reflecting on your own work.
What advice would you share with anyone aspiring to build their own start-up company?
If you have an idea about a business or company you should 100% go for it. Rarely will someone ever succeed in their first business venture. The journey will teach you a great deal about yourself and will help in any future endeavours. My top tip would be to build a prototype of what you are thinking as cheaply as possible, then gain as much feedback from the market on this to see if the idea has any legs. This will give you an idea of whether it is something you can really sink your teeth into before wasting valuable time and money.