Meet Bashayier Ahmed, a dentist with overseas qualifications

Working abroad to experience life in a different country is an attractive prospect to many professionals, including dentists. For dentists who have qualified overseas, however, gaining recognition of their training and expertise in the UK is no easy matter. Yet we are fortunate to employ people who have taken the plunge into the English dental pool and are looking forward to the time when they can work to the full scope of their expertise and knowledge.

Over the last four years, to provide more dental care to our patients, SpaDental has opened up employment opportunities to dentists from overseas. In our teams, they are working as dental therapists, dental nurses and trainee dental nurses while they wait for an opportunity to sit their Overseas Registration Examination (ORE).

Meet Bashayier Ahmed

After qualifying and working as a dentist in Lahore, Bashayier Ahmed enrolled on a Masters course at the University of Coventry to study Global Health Care Management. As a student, she was able to work twenty hours per week during term time, and unlimited hours during the holidays. Bashayier, never work-shy, took the opportunity to sign on with SpaDental so she could learn more about the workings of dental practices in England. Bashayier was keen to continue to develop in her chosen profession as preparation for the Overseas Registration Examinations (ORE).

If you have attended SpaDental in Ledbury, Tewkesbury or Whitchurch during the last year, you may already have met her assisting your dental clinician or working at the reception desk.

Now Bashayier has finished her university commitments, she is able to work full time at SpaDental.

Our interconnected world

With her international background, Bashayier appreciates the importance of giving to and learning from other cultures.

Reflecting on her academic journey and work experience, she says: “As an international student, my time in the UK and various other countries has been enriching, allowing me to immerse myself in diverse cultures and broaden my understanding of the world. Traveling has become more than just a hobby; it’s a passion that fuels my desire to connect with people from all walks of life and appreciate their perspectives. Through my experiences, I’ve learned the importance of empathy and cultural acceptance. My travels have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the complexities of human nature and the importance of embracing diversity. As I pursue my studies, I am committed to fostering understanding and collaboration in an increasingly interconnected world.”

Becoming a GDC registered dentist in England

When Bashayier moved to England, she was not able to register as a Dental Therapist, as some of her colleagues who applied earlier could.

As the British Dental Association (BDS) explains: “Until 8 March 2023, it was possible for overseas dentists to apply to be registered with the GDC in Dental Care Professional (DCP) categories, for example as a dental hygienist or dental therapist. This route is no longer open for new applications, and joining the DCP register is now only possible based on a formal DCP qualification.”

The decision made by the General Dental Council (GDC) means that Bashayier cannot work to the full scope of her training, but must work as a trainee dental nurse enrolled on a dental nursing course.

An ambitious young woman, Bashayier’s goal is, of course, to gain GDC registration as a dentist. To do that, she has to sit either ORE or Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS). Unfortunately, there are too few exam seats for the number of candidates so she is being patient. While she waits, she grasps every opportunity to work in dentistry and willingly takes on any role she is allowed to.

Bashayier brings to her role in SpaDental a high level of dental expertise as well as dedication to quality dental care.

As she explains: “Transitioning into a role providing assistance to a dentist allows me to broaden my skills in patient communication, record keeping and team working. I enjoy the additional contact with patients and learning more about practice management tasks. For me, this valuable experience is a stepping stone towards my ultimate goal: to emerge as a dynamic service provider and leader in the field of dentistry.”

Valued team members

SpaDental is indeed fortunate to have Bashayier, an intelligent, highly qualified and capable individual, working on with our teams.

A shout out to our other dentists from overseas who are waiting to take ORE too. Working across the group, they play a valuable part in helping SpaDental provide more clinical time to assist patients.

On the topic:

• SpaDental taking action to improve patient access to NHS dentistry
• Job openings in SpaDental

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