Whirlwind of emotion

Dentistry AwardsDentistry magazine speaks to Richard Field, winner of Overall UK Best Dentist award and Best Young Dentist South at the Dentistry Awards

Dentistry Magazine (DM): How do you feel to have won the overall best UK Dentist award?
Richard Field (RF): It’s a great feeling to have won. On the night I felt a bit of a mixture of excitement and relief, as I had been worried about it all evening (the award was one of the last to be announced). So when I found out, I could finally relax and enjoy the evening. The night was an absolute whirlwind of emotion. I’m happy now and I can get on with the exciting new things to come this year with this under my belt.

DM: You had your dad with you at the awards, how did he react to your win?
RF: It was really great to have my dad there with me. He is a dentist himself and has supported me from the very beginning. He was thrilled to be there and very proud of me!

DM: Is there anyone in particular you want to thank (mentors, lecturers, colleagues)?
RF: I want to thank everyone who has helped and supported me over the last few years. The clinical mentorship from Chris Orr, Jason Smithson, Tif Qureshi, Zaki Kanaan and the whole Style Italiano family has been invaluable. I am also really grateful for all the support from the BACD, DMG, Enlighten, Optident, Garrison and Heraeus.

DM: Where do you see your career heading in the future?
RF: I have started working at two new clinics this year, Harley Street Dental Studio and Ten Dental and I am also giving quite a few lectures this year, which I am really excited about. I would eventually love to split my time between teaching and clinical work.

DM: What is your favourite aspect of your job?
RF: I like the creative side and I like how every day is different. It is a pretty emotional job, especially when you get to the end of treatment plans and you see the impact you have made on people that have previously been told that there is no option for what they have or people who were too scared to get the treatment done.

DM: Will you be entering next year? If so/if not, why?
RF: No I don’t think I will enter this award again. I’m delighted and proud to have won. Now I would like to focus on new ventures and on my clinical work.

DM: What do you do in your spare time?
RF: I like to explore London and find the best coffee shops where I can catch up on some non dental reading! Its good to have a bit of an escape.

DM: Young dentists are starting out in a tough economic climate. How do you think you have and still are coping with such challenges? What advice would you give to other young dentists starting out?
RF: I think what a young dentist has to bear in mind is that it is important to take the time to invest in yourself, build your skillset and get down and do some actual dentistry. Take your time and build a portfolio of photographs of your work. These are invaluable when applying for jobs as it really stands you apart from others and shows evidence of what you can do. My advice would be if you invest in yourself now the rewards will come later!

For more information and to find out more about the awards please contact Leanna on 01923 851735, email [email protected] or visit www.dentistry.co.uk/awards.

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