Mariya Dolhova shares her journey from paediatric dentistry in Ukraine to impacting dental health in the UK.
Ukrainian paediatric dentist Mariya Dolhva is remarkably positive for someone whose life has been severely disrupted by the complexities of war. When Russia invaded, she fled her home in Lviv for a new life in the UK, taking her young daughter with her.
It’s been a transformative journey and despite the upheaval, Mariya’s dedication to children’s dental health remains unwavering. Leaving her much-loved position as a paediatric dentist at the hugely successful Zablotskyy Clinic in her hometown for a very different role here hasn’t dented her enthusiasm for prevention.
Relocating to the UK posed multiple challenges, especially tough considering she was forced to leave behind her well-established dental career. Unable to practise dentistry immediately, she found solace in a new role as a territory manager at Oral-B, where she remains deeply involved in advocating for prevention.
Her wealth of experience and expertise in paediatric dentistry has shaped her approach to her day-to-day interactions, guiding dental team discussions on treatment plans. As a result, she’s found she is influencing the dental care landscape – even if she cannot treat young patients in the chair.
A passion for paediatric care
So, where does this passion for paediatric dentistry stem from? A blend of personal experiences and professional inspirations ignited Mariya’s enthusiasm. She said:
‘I was lucky with the teachers in my life. They inspired me to pursue a career in paediatric dentistry. And when I became a mother at 24, it focused my need to nurture children. The more I practised, the more children I saw, the more I could connect with them to help them improve their quality of life – this is the best motivation.’
Her journey as a mother paralleled her growth as a paediatric dentist, fostering a deeper understanding of children’s needs and the importance of preventive dental care.
‘To work with kids, you must love kids,’ she asserts. Her approach involves breaking down barriers and gaining trust while engaging with entire families to instil lifelong preventive habits.
‘Paediatric care is about building good rapport – with parents and the kids. You have to remove the fear. Turning fear into friendship, seeing children smile confidently and hearing that they sleep better and eat better because they are dentally fit is what drives me.’
For Mariya, renewed enthusiasm came daily with new patients because ‘every story is different,’ she says. ‘In Ukraine, we share our mobile number with parents, allowing immediate feedback. All they want is a quick reply, some reassurance or an answer to a query.’
Sharing knowledge
In her former life, attending events and conferences would drive her to hone her skills when she returned to clinic. As a lecturer, she enjoyed sharing knowledge with colleagues.
‘You have to embrace lifelong learning. I would implement new methods and take my dentistry to a new level after conferences. They can be very inspiring and having more confidence is important – for my colleagues and our patients.’
While now physically distant from colleagues in Ukraine, Mariya remains connected, participating in virtual meetings and latterly contributing to national guidance on paediatric dentistry and prevention. Her aim is clear: positively impacting children’s dental health wherever she is in the world.
Comparing children’s dental health in the UK and Ukraine, Mariya notes similarities in diet-related challenges, neglect of prevention and dental care. She commends the UK’s national preventive programmes while advocating for increased education in schools and nurseries.
Currently, she is happy working for Oral-B and brings a wealth of experience to the teams she visits.
‘I have remained in dentistry, which, most importantly, allows me to discuss prevention. I can inform them to help shape their approach. At the same time, I continue to work with my colleagues in Ukraine via webinars. If they meet offline, they link me in virtually.’
Prevention awareness
Mariya underscores the simplicity of preventive measures, such as using fluoride toothpaste, brushing twice daily for two minutes, having regular dental check-ups and advocating for parental involvement and education in schools. She is also a staunch advocate for electric toothbrushes for children aged three and upwards as this helps compensate for poor technique, as well as helping children brush for longer.
‘Caries is almost always preventable, and we must start discussing prevention in schools, in nurseries and with parents – it’s as simple as two plus two equals four. Parents should understand the necessity of using fluoride toothpaste, with a minimum content of 1000ppm, twice a day, as evidence supports. This knowledge is critical. We should emphasise avoiding sugary snacks between meals to minimise mouth acidity. And, regular visits to the dentist make a substantial difference.’
Mariya also stressed the importance of increasing education in schools and nurseries, and parents setting an example with proper brushing techniques. She described the importance of effective tools for oral health.
‘An Oral-B electric toothbrush effectively removes plaque compared to manual brushing. Parents’ behaviour sets an example, so regular dental visits and education are pivotal when guiding a child. Power brushes with timers or incorporating a favourite song through apps like Oral-B’s Magic Timer help to enhance dental habits. Using an electric toothbrush is essential for everyone, not just paediatric patients.’
Her vision for impacting the dental care landscape revolves around a simple premise – spreading prevention awareness is simply an act of love.
‘If we deeply care for someone, we naturally strive to shield them from harm. By instilling the right habits in our children, we set in motion a chain that reaches far into the future – we’re laying the groundwork now for the dental health of our future grandchildren.’
The future
So, what plans does she have for her own future? Her primary focus remains improving children’s dental health with crucial preventive measures. She has settled into a role where she can use her clinical knowledge and stay involved with children’s dental health.
The UK dental industry is lucky to be able to tap into this wealth of knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm – albeit under extraordinarily terrible circumstances. If these circumstances were to change, would she go back home?
‘My wish is for the war to end as soon as possible. After that, I will think about what to do. My daughter is 16, and although she is settled for now, she misses home and her grandparents. If the war ends, I would very much like to have a role in helping to develop a new Ukraine; we deserve a good future.’
For more information visit www.oralbprofessional.co.uk.
