Dental hygienist Sakina Syed discusses her experience of winning Best Hygienist London at the 2022 Private Dentistry Awards.
How does it feel to have won Best Hygienist?
I’m humbled and proud to have won a Private Dentistry Award. I was shortlisted with some amazing finalists. I was over the moon to be one of them, but winning has just given me a lot more confidence to implement some changes in my career for 2023.
How did it feel when your name was announced?
I was shocked and shaking when I heard my name and saw my picture on the screen. I couldn’t believe I was chosen amongst 14 finalists. My colleague was screaming in my ear, and I yelled: ‘I won!’
What do you think have been the main benefits of entering the awards?
It’s been an incredible team building experience at our practice, with all of my team members being very excited for the awards. I just wish we had more of our team there that night.
It allowed me to showcase my achievements and helped me to re-evaluate my workspace and have the confidence to implement some positive changes.
It’s also been a fabulous networking opportunity. I have been able to meet people from my industry and reconnect with some colleagues with whom I had lost contact. Also, to make some new connections.
Have you entered before?
I have never entered any of the dental awards before, as my life of clinical work and being a mum to two kept me super busy. But I did attend a few years back with a colleague.
To be honest, my entry was pretty last minute as I honestly thought I would not even be shortlisted. So to be a finalist and then win has just been the icing on the cake for me.
What do you think the Private Dentistry Awards are doing for standards within the profession?
It is totally raising the bar in an inclusive way – celebrating success from all parts of the dental team and showing that they all play an integral role in the success of their practice.
As we advertise our finalist and winning success with our practice, it really involves the patients as they also feel special when their practice or a person known to them is nominated for an award.
It’s a wonderful networking event and it’s encouraged me not to be shy, to celebrate my own success and achievements.
What advice would you give people who are thinking of entering the awards?
Start early and think about what you want to include, because I found editing my entry the hardest.
What’s your favourite product of the last 12 months and why?
Biomin toothpaste is my go-to product to apply post-guided biofilm therapy. I absolutely love how it protects the tooth surface after treatment and carries on doing so over a number of hours.Will you be entering the awards again?
Most definitely, and I won’t leave it until the last minute next time!
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