There is no single route to success in dentistry. Every career brings its own opportunities, challenges and unexpected turns, and finding the right balance between professional ambitions and personal life isn't always straightforward. 

This was the focus of an engaging panel discussion at Dentistry Show London 2026, chaired by broadcaster Trishala Lakhani. Bringing together three women at different stages of their careers, the session featured Dr Sarika Shah, founder of Platinum Dental Care and Flourish as a Female; Cat Edney, award-winning dental therapist and founder of The Modern Therapist; and Dr Ruth Baidoo, award-winning dentist, mentor and host of the Just4Dentists podcast. 

Through their personal experiences, the panelists explored resilience, confidence, career progression and the importance of supporting women to thrive within the profession. 

Building your support network 

For Dr Sarika Shah, one of the most important lessons has been the value of surrounding yourself with the right people. 

Drawing on her experiences of building a successful dental practice and supporting female clinicians through her leadership platform, Flourish as a Female, Sarika encouraged delegates to follow their passions and pursue careers they genuinely enjoy. 

Central to her message was the importance of "building your village" - creating a strong network of people who provide encouragement, guidance and support through the different stages of life and work. 

She also spoke candidly about her own experience of infertility treatment, highlighting the need to normalise conversations around women's health and personal challenges within professional settings. 

Her openness reinforced an important message: having the right support, both personally and professionally, can make a significant difference when navigating life's challenges. 

Breaking down barriers 

Balancing professional ambitions with raising a family is a reality for many women in dentistry, but should motherhood be seen as a barrier to career progression? 

Cat Edney challenged the assumption that women with children are too busy to take on additional responsibilities or pursue leadership opportunities. 

Drawing on her extensive experience in clinical practice and education, she highlighted how outdated perceptions can hold talented professionals back and why the profession needs to create an environment where women feel empowered to progress, whatever their personal circumstances. 

Cat also emphasised the importance of greater female representation in positions of leadership and influence, helping to ensure that the people making decisions better reflect the wider dental workforce. 

Finding your own path 

Dr Ruth Baidoo shared that resilience has been a defining part of her journey in dentistry. 

Reflecting on the challenges she faced during dental school, Ruth reminded delegates that careers are rarely linear and that setbacks or changes in direction don't have to stand in the way of success. 

She also highlighted the breadth of opportunities available to dental professionals, explaining how the skills developed through dentistry can be transferred into other areas, from mentoring and education to leadership and business. 

Confidence and networking were central to her advice, with Ruth encouraging delegates to recognise their abilities, build professional connections and remain open to new opportunities. 

Her message was a reminder that there is no single definition of success and that dental professionals can shape careers that reflect their own interests, ambitions and changing priorities. 

A shared message 

While each panellist shared a different journey, several important themes emerged throughout the discussion. 

From building supportive networks and embracing new opportunities to challenging outdated perceptions and recognising the value of transferable skills, the session highlighted that career success is about much more than following a conventional path. 

It also reinforced the importance of creating a profession where women feel supported at every stage of their careers, with greater openness around personal challenges and more opportunities to take on leadership roles. 

Above all, the discussion offered an encouraging reminder that careers evolve, priorities change and success looks different for everyone. By sharing experiences, supporting one another and challenging barriers, women can continue to shape a stronger and more inclusive future for dentistry. 

Missed Dentistry Show London 2026? Save the date for 1-2 October 2027 at Excel London, when the show returns with more inspiring speakers, insightful discussions and opportunities to connect with the dental community.