What brought you to becoming a paediatric dentist?
A mix of luck, wonderful mentors and the sheer delight of working with children.
Where do you work now?
I work in Sydney in private practice at Norwest Paediatric Dentistry and job-share the fellow position at Children’s Hospital Westmead with the indomitable Dr Winey Wan.
Where do you see your future in paediatric dentistry?
The beauty of Paediatric Dentistry is there are so many facets to explore, and a niche for everyone. Short-term, I am really enjoying my current mix of clinical work and plan to continue honing my skills.
Mid-to-long term, I would like to explore more ways to undertake leadership within my larger community, whether that’s engaging more with rural health or within the medical community.
What aspects of paediatric do you most prefer?
I find managing dental anxiety really rewarding, as well as the variety of scope that exists within paediatric dentistry.
I joined the AAPD to/because…
For information, mentorship, inspiration, and friendship! Completing my specialist training during the pandemic meant a significant limitation in the usual mingling with peers and veterans in paediatric dentistry.
The AAPD draws a strong specialist crowd and offers good collegiate support. I’m looking forward to many years of involvement.
The people I would like to connect with in the AAPD are…
Anyone with advice to offer! Also fellow recent grads.
What is your most memorable or favourite part of practicing Paediatric Dentistry?
Definitely the silly things that children say. A parent recently told me that their son is taking my diet advice too far and refusing to ingest anything unless they’ve explicitly said it doesn’t have sugar. Even questioning the water offered.
What do you like doing outside of Paediatric Dentistry?
Cooking (mostly eating), travelling, photography, watching comedy and exercising.
In an alternate universe, if you were not a dentist what would you have liked to pursue?
I loved the prospect of advertising in high school. I liked thinking about what makes a good ad or thinking of witty slogans. Although I’d detest how much social media and manipulation is probably involved these days, so maybe more appropriately gourmet food traveller on the food network!
Want to get in touch?
Reach out to Ashika at ashikalathif@gmail.com
