Dentistry caught up with orthodontist Sunil Hirani about where he came from, where he’s going and what’s inspired him along the way.
Please introduce yourself
Hi, I’m Dr Sunil Hirani. I’m an orthodontist and I’m based in private practice in Milton Keynes at my clinic called SmileLux.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time – and I don’t get much spare time – I spend it with my children. I’m a taxi driver for them and I work out in my local gym about three/four times per week. It helps me to cool down.
Why did you choose to become an orthodontist?
I was always fascinated with dentistry as a teenager because it involves an element of science, it involves being artistic. And of course, you’re running a business as well. So, for me, it was the best combination.
What has been your strangest experience in dentistry?
I think people are just so individual and so unique. We do have some interesting patients here who seem to have these rituals before they come into the practice.
Some of them walk around the building, some of them are actually praying and stuff. I’ve never seen anything like it, so I find that quite unusual.
How do you think dentistry will change in the future?
Dentistry is becoming more and more digital, and it’s about taking ownership. That’s what I want. So, for me, I believe that nearly all practices will have a scanner, nearly all practices will be 3D printing.
I hope to have direct printed aligners here one day, and also starting aligner treatment on the same day.
What are your dreams and ambitions for the future?
I want to work a lot smarter. So, I can see myself delegating more and more to the team so they’re more involved. I hope to backseat one day when I’m doing more diagnostics.
If you could recommend one book that’s inspired you either professionally or personally in your life, what would it be and why?
The best book that I think has had a profound influence on me is by a chap called Chris Gardner. He was behind the movie called The Pursuit of Happyness with Will Smith in. It goes to show, basically, that it’s not how clever you are, it’s how determined you are to get through all the obstacles in life.
So, the key thing is to keep going and, of course, never quit.
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