Imran Asghar has been announced as the first ever winner of the BDA’s Joy Harrild Award for young dentists.
Imran shone out for his commitment to his profession and further education, as well as his work in his local dental community and charity work.
‘Since the first year of university, Imran always tried to go beyond the norm, getting involved in extra curricula work and always had a passion for his own personal development, as well as supporting others,’ said fellow young dentist, Hamza Anwar.
A real passion
Imran has been the Oldham/Rochdale BDA Section secretary since 2012, and the East Lancashire/East Cheshire BDA Young Dentist Group chair.
He helped re-invigorate the BDA Stockport Section in 2015 and has been a passionate advocate for dentists getting together locally and attending BDA events.
He has shown a real passion in getting involved in his local community, and has given talks to schools on considering a career in dentistry.
He has been involved with his local dental network on two projects, the Manchester ‘Healthy gums do matter’ toolkit and The Dental Trauma Guide, working with groups of dentists, consultants, specialists, and the north-west deanery. The ‘Healthy gums do matter’ toolkit focused on improving how dentists manage and treat periodontal patients within the NHS UDA system.
Imran has volunteered and is a trustee for the Dental Aid Network Charity in Kashmir and Pakistan, including visiting schools to promote oral health education – he went on his third visit in 2017.
Imran is currently undertaking a diploma in endodontics (MSc).
Excellent patient care
Hamza continued: ‘He’s passionate about educating others about oral health and used social media and engaged his local community to do this.
‘He is also committed to excellent patient care.’
History
The Joy Harrild Award was launched earlier this year, in memory of Young Dentist Committee member, Joy Harrild, whose life was tragically cut short by a car accident in 2016.
The Young Dentist Committee wanted to honour her memory and her contribution, by launching a new award that recognises the achievements of the younger members of the profession.
Joy has also been posthumously awarded a BDA Certificate of Merit, for her enthusiasm, and her contribution, to the profession.
Your chance to enter
Do you know a young dentist going that extra mile? Nominate them!
The BDA Joy Harrild Award for young dentists has been founded to recognise the younger member of the profession who are going above and beyond.
Nominees must be a BDA member, up to 10 years’ post-qualification – if you know someone who fits the bill, please nominate them.
