Avinash PatelHere’s the key graphic as discussed in my lecture for Colgate. Click the image to view full size.
Ben AtkinsDental training in the UK, and the monitoring of dental treatments is the best in the world. Making sure patients are safe, missing...
Here’s the key graphic as discussed in my lecture for Colgate. Click the image to view full size.
Dental training in the UK, and the monitoring of dental treatments is the best in the world. Making sure patients are safe, missing...
“We’re doing a fun series in the New Year and we want to include your Dentist’s profile”. So went the phone call from Julian English, Editorial Director as Dentistry Magazine. What could I say?
What motivated you to pursue a career in Dentistry?
When I was growing up, my family always joked that I sat whittling something. I was always keeping my hands busy and combined with a deep interest in science. As a result, it was inevitable that I would go into something like dentistry. Then, to help make my final decision, I shadowed a lot of professions and dentistry was the thing that really peaked my interest. I’m a firm believer in pursuing things that interest you, so I followed my instincts and became a dentist.
What do you like most about it?
Building up several practices and administering NHS out of hours contracts has exposed me to the business side of dentistry, which is very stimulating. Also, being an influencer in current shift in culture from ‘drill and fill’ to prevention is extremely fulfilling. But if I’m absolutely honest, I still get a real buzz from the clinical work I do with wide ranging and disparate patient groups.
What career path would you have chosen if you hadn’t pursued Dentistry?
It would have been science based – probably in research, as I love to solve clinical issues
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Well, besides my two children and the need to beat the rush hour traffic, it’s knowing that every day can bring a unique clinical or business challenge to be addressed and overcome, but never knowing exactly what the week will bring.
And what keeps you awake at night?
My children! But also thinking about change in my business and directional management.
Describe yourself in a few words
Well it almost goes without saying that I’m devilishly handsome! Joking aside, I try to be caring and empathetic and to put myself in other peoples’ shoes in difficult situations. I’m hard working, but strive to keep my family life and professional life entirely separate, giving enough time to both.
How do you unwind?
By being with my wife and children and by ensuring that I leave work behind on the drive home
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Difficult choice! In the UK, Norfolk – the pace of life is relaxed, the people are friendly and it’s ideal for regular family holidays and short breaks. But as a family we all love to ski, so Austria is joint favourite!
What is your favourite film; TV programme and Book?
Business books – Rich Dad Poor Dad & How To Win Friends & Influence People. Childrens book – The Brothers Lionheart. My favourite recent TV series is The Wire
Do you play any sports?
Yes. As I mentioned, I ski, and I still play 5 a side football (occasionally turning out for the school parents football team). Years ago, I played lots of club rugby and cricket.
What kind of music do you like?
80’s & 90’s American Rap Music; KRS-1 etc.
Finally, tell me something about yourself that others might not know
Well, I’m an apiarist! At home I have 3 beehives housing around 120,000 bees and 3 queens. It’s a relaxing pastime and one that helps sustain the local environment as well as providing us with some great honey!
I’m looking forward to reading the Dentist’s profile series in the New Year – it will be good to get a reality check!
