Bio: Nadia is a part-time Consultant Orthodontist alongside working in private Orthodontic practice in Yorkshire and is a certified life coach with a passion for self-development, wellbeing and fostering a growth mindset. She has spoken at a number of national events and written articles for the BDJ IP and 'Dentistry' on topics such as managing stress, resilience, core values, healthy habits and overcoming imposter syndrome. She empowers dental professionals through delivering impactful coaching workshops. She gained her MOrth in 2016 alongside research in autotransplantation of teeth then did further training which led to the FDS in Orthodontics in 2021.  Nadia enjoys teaching trainees, GDPs and DFTs. She was recently elected onto the FDS Board at RCS England, is Secretary of the British Orthodontic Society OSG and was BDA CCHDS Chair from 2022-2024. She was awarded the “Certificate of merit for services to the profession’’ in the BDA honours list in 2024. 

To start, can you tell us a little about your career journey and what led you to where you are today? 

I graduated from Sheffield Dental School in 2007 and, after my foundation training, pursued a hospital career pathway. I worked across several specialties including oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral surgery, radiology and paediatric dentistry before specialising in orthodontics. I completed my specialist training in Leeds and further training in Birmingham, which led to my current role as a consultant orthodontist. I now work part time in both a specialist orthodontic practice and in hospital in South Yorkshire. Alongside this, I’ve developed an interest in life coaching and neuro-linguistic programming, and I support dental professionals through coaching and teaching. 

With everything happening in UK dentistry at the moment, including workforce pressures and NHS challenges, how do you think this is shaping career paths for younger dentists? 
The current pressures, particularly within the NHS, are making it more challenging for younger dentists to pursue traditional NHS pathways. As a result, more graduates may be drawn towards private practice or hospital-based careers. While this offers alternative opportunities, it also creates further challenges for the NHS in terms of recruitment and retention. 

There has been a lot of discussion around retention in dentistry. What do you think will actually help keep young professionals engaged in the profession long term? 
A key factor is ensuring that dentists feel valued, both in terms of job security and fair remuneration that reflects their training and investment. Beyond that, dentistry is an evolving field with continuous advancements, which helps maintain engagement. Opportunities to explore different areas of dentistry, specialise, or undertake further postgraduate training can also play a significant role in keeping professionals motivated. 

Mentorship is often highlighted as a solution. What does good mentorship look like in today’s dental landscape? 

Good mentorship goes beyond clinical skills. It’s about supporting the whole individual, including career guidance, helping them choose the right path, and understanding the range of opportunities available. It also involves developing soft skills such as communication, managing patient expectations, and prioritising wellbeing. Supporting mental and physical health throughout a dental career is an essential part of effective mentorship. 

You will be talking about inspiring the next generation and balancing clinic and life. What do you think they need most right now to feel confident in their careers? 
They need confidence in their decision-making, particularly in choosing a career path that aligns with their own values rather than external expectations. Understanding what is important to them personally and professionally allows for a more balanced, fulfilling and sustainable career. 

What can delegates expect to take away from your sessions? Are there any practical tools or mindset shifts they can apply straight away? 
Delegates will gain insights from life coaching principles, including how to assess different areas of their life, set meaningful goals, and define their core values. I’ll also cover strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and achieving a better work-life balance. In terms of mindset, we’ll explore the benefits of adopting a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities to build resilience and confidence. 

Why would you encourage someone, especially a young dentist or trainee, to attend your sessions at the show? 

It’s a great opportunity to hear real-world insights and guidance, particularly for those considering different career pathways such as hospital dentistry. I’ll be available to speak with attendees after the session, offering further support and advice. The session is designed to help individuals make informed decisions and feel confident in choosing a path that is right for them. 

Finally, what are you most looking forward to at the British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show this year? 

I’m looking forward to connecting with new people as well as colleagues I’ve worked with in the past. Most importantly, I’m excited to engage with attendees who come to my sessions and to provide guidance and insights that they can take away and apply in their own careers. 

Don't miss Nadia's session at BDCDS " Shaping your career path: inspiring growth in the next generation of dentists" on Friday 15 May 2026, 11:30-12:15 at the Next Generation Theatre & "Balancing clinic and life: aligning values, goals and wellbeing" on Friday 15 May, 13:15-14:00 at the Dental Hygienist & Therapist Symposium.