Speakers

Sally Khawaja embarked on her professional journey as a dental nurse after qualifying at Guy’s Hospital. Her early career was marked by diverse experiences across various clinical settings, including special care dentistry and dental psychology. This broad exposure allowed her to develop a deep understanding of different aspects of dental care. Over the years, Sally has worn many hats in the dental profession. She has excelled in roles such as specialist dental nurse and clinical assistant manager, showcasing her ability to navigate complex clinical environments with skill and precision. Her passion for education and quality assurance in dental care led her to a pivotal role in delivering, managing, and internally and externally quality-assuring training and qualifications for dental care professionals. Sally’s work involved close collaboration with a variety of awarding organisations and regulatory bodies, ensuring that dental education was delivered to the highest standard. Driven by a commitment to compassionate leadership, Sally furthered her skills in leadership, coaching, and mentoring. She became known for her ability to lead with empathy and to foster a positive, supportive environment for her team of educators. Outside of her primary dental career, Sally has made significant contributions to the community. She has served as Chair of Governors for a large secondary school in Essex, demonstrating her dedication to education beyond the dental field. Additionally, she has been an active committee member for the Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee with Thurrock Council, further showcasing her commitment to public service and child welfare. Sally’s dedication to inclusivity and support for staff with disabilities is evident in her current roles. She serves as Co-Chair of the Kings Able staff network at King’s College Hospital, a role dedicated to supporting staff with disabilities and long-term impairments. Additionally, she holds the position of Honorary Secretary for the Education Zone at the Orsett Country Show, where she continues to contribute to educational initiatives. In 2024, Sally took on a new challenge as the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian at King’s College Hospital. In this role, she is focused on embedding a culture of speaking up and promoting civility across the healthcare sector. Sally is passionate about empowering individuals and teams to voice their concerns and ensuring that leaders are attentive and responsive to these concerns. Her work in this area reflects her ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive and transparent workplace environment. Sally Khawaja’s career is a testament to her dedication, versatility, and compassionate leadership. Her contributions to dental care, education, and community service highlight her commitment to improving the lives of those she serves.