Out of office – Amber Ojak discusses rugby and her love for gin

Amber Ojak opens up about her passion for the Six Nations, good food and her 20-bottle gin collection

Amber Ojak opens up about her passion for the Six Nations, good food and her 20-bottle gin collection.

Please introduce yourself

I am Amber Ojak, a dental therapist based in Edinburgh but I’m originally from East Yorkshire. I graduated in 2018 from the University Of Edinburgh Medical School. I’ve worked solidly ever since to pave the way for the future of our profession.

I’m the founder of ‘Aspiring Oral Hygiene’, as well as an elected BSDHT council member and ambassador.

What do you get up to in your spare time away from dentistry?

In my spare time, I am a keen gin enthusiast and collector, having over twenty bottles in my flat. I really enjoy discovering new gin flavours and exploring distilleries. I would have to say my favourite is the ‘Isle of Harris’ gin. It’s amazing and I would recommend it every time.

I also adore painting and am a keen writer – I love writing my articles based on things I am passionate about. I always aim to help people with them as a result of my own experiences.

My favourite things to paint are seascapes or landscapes; it just makes me feel so calm and let’s me switch off.

Are you a foodie?

The biggest foodie there ever was! I absolutely love finding new places to eat or discovering new outdoor food vendors. It’s a massive hobby of mine. As I’m half Polish, I love making Polish food. We have some really delicious delicacies such as pierogi, which are light dumplings filled with a potato and cheese mixture, or berries.

I could eat these everyday. I don’t understand why food gives me so much joy, but I do know there is just nothing better than good food. Luckily, living in Edinburgh there numerous options to keep my taste buds occupied.

Do you like to travel and do your hobbies take you anywhere in particular?

Travelling always helps to balance me, and make me realise that you do need a work and lifestyle balance. I once travelled around Italy for two weeks with my best friend. It was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever enjoyed. We had a lifetime’s supply of pizza, pasta and gelato.

I think everyone was so impressed that I managed to navigate Italy without a glitch, as I’m not known to be the best at directions. My boyfriend and myself also love to explore Scotland’s best, such as Loch Tay. The scenery is beautiful and it’s just a few hours from Edinburgh.

Are you into any sport?

I also love rugby and go to watch Scotland play whenever I get the opportunity. The atmosphere at the Six Nations games is electric. I honestly think people should experience this at least once in their lifetime.

I also used to be a competitive swimmer which was good fun. But I had to train pretty intensely – around two to three times a week – and participated in various competitions. I don’t do it as much anymore, but I do enjoy watching it. Especially when sporting events are broadcast.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

I really hope I can continue giving a ‘voice’ to the future generation of dental care professionals. The feedback I receive from them means so much to me. I really want to be an advocate for the changes I think still need to happen. For example, in areas such as direct access and nursing support.

I just want to continue to inspire people and show students that the world really is your oyster and you can achieve anything you want to.

It amazes me how much I have already achieved within two years since graduation, and I know there is still so much more to come.

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