BSPD’s incoming President, Dr Shannu Bhatia looks to future-proof the paediatric dentistry workforce

This September, BSPD’s Annual Scientific Conference heads to Cardiff where the Society will
welcome President-Elect, Dr Shannu Bhatia, Cardiff University’s Clinical Reader and Honorary
Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry. Dr Bhatia will be taking over as BSPD President from Professor
Paula Waterhouse during the conference, which this year has the theme of “The Right Care, at
the Right Time”.
Cardiff is Dr Bhatia’s home-city and as BSPD members convene in the Centre for Student Life at
Cardiff University from 12th to 13th September, we will hear from our new President about her
research focus shaping the future of our profession through nurturing dentistry talent.
The profession is familiar with the concept of delivering the right care at the right time – making sure
patients are guided down the most appropriate clinical pathway to ensure they receive the right
intervention, in a timely manner and ideally near to their home. However, for Dr Bhatia this
conference strapline has a ‘double-entendre’. Timely, appropriate patient care is of course,
fundamental – however she is also striving to show the importance of ensuring the mental and
physical well-being of dentistry students, trainees and staff – and that this in the long-term supports
the delivery of high-quality patient care.

Having faced some personal challenges during her own career, Dr Bhatia now focuses on
supporting and encouraging dental students – who will become tomorrow’s workforce. She believes
this is integral to securing the long-term future of the profession.

Dr Bhatia grew up in India and having graduated from Maulana Aza Medical College (MAMC) in
Delhi university she completed her postgraduate training at Calcutta University. A significant
challenge came as she transitioned to the UK to follow her husband to Swansea while they both
pursued their early careers as junior doctors in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Shannu credits this
period in her life, where she might only see her husband passing in the corridor on ward rounds,
as developing the resilience that has helped her appreciate the proportionate relationship between
hard work and reward.

Dr Bhatia found her real calling in paediatric dentistry as a house officer in Edinburgh and then
worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. By this time her resolve was strengthened to
specialise in paediatric dentistry, so she undertook specialist training programmes at the Eastman
Dental Hospital UCLH and Cardiff University Dental Hospital to become a consultant in Paediatric
dentistry.

Dr Shannu Bhatia, President-Elect, BSPD said: “I care passionately about our profession. So,
for me ‘The Right Care, at the Right Time’ is as much about nurturing the well-being of the dental
workforce, as it is delivering for our patients. At the heart of what we do is people. Working with
people – our patients, our students and our staff.

“As paediatric dentists, we hold a unique and profound role in shaping the oral health and wellbeing
of the youngest members of our society. Our work is not merely treating teeth; it is about nurturing
smiles, fostering confidence, and laying the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. This
philosophy aligns with the ethos of BSPD – and will be a focus during my Presidential year. I am
incredibly excited, honoured and humbled to be incoming President for BSPD 2024/5.”