Best Young Dentist at the Dentistry Awards 2024, Wiktor Pietraszewski shares his journey to award-winning clinical skills and developing a rubber dam course.
Why did you choose dentistry as a career path?
I didn’t get into dentistry the conventional way – my predicted grades held me back at interview, and I missed out. I do think the UK selection process misses some great candidates, but that’s a conversation for another day.
I’ve always been artistic, loved science and working with my hands, so dentistry felt like the perfect blend of medicine and creativity.
Can you share your career journey so far?
After not getting into dentistry in the UK, I completed a BSc in human physiology at the University of Leeds and then moved to Poland to study dentistry. I did my FD year in a dental hospital, then moved to Malta for some year-round sunshine and to gain private practice experience early on.
Two years working in Malta helped me develop my skills early on and helped me put together my first restorative dental portfolio. In 2020, during the height of COVID, I moved back to the UK, where I now work in two busy London specialist practices focused on complex restorative and prosthodontic dentistry.
What are your favourite aspects of dentistry?
I love documenting cases and showing patients the process – it helps them understand the value and complexity of their treatment. Teaching and inspiring fellow dentists has also become a huge passion.
And your least favourite?
The endless admin, audits, and ever-changing compliance can be exhausting. It takes valuable time away from treating patients or developing educational content.
The Dentistry Awards
The Dentistry Awards celebrate excellence in dental practice, recognising dental professionals for their achievements and advancements.
For more information on all of our awards, visit www.dentistry.co.uk/awards.
What has been your most rewarding experience as a dentist?
Building trust through complex treatments and then being asked to care for the whole family is incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that excellence and empathy go hand in hand.
Winning Best Young Dentist is a significant achievement – what do you believe set you apart?
I stayed true to myself and focused on clinical quality, education, and transparency. My entry reflected that – well-documented cases, a clear sense of purpose, and contributions to the wider profession, not just showing off basic before and afters.
What are your top tips for anyone entering the awards?
Document your journey well and showcase your thought process, not just the results. Use high-quality images, include some of your life outside the clinic, and make sure your ‘why’ shines through.
What are your plans for the next five years?
I plan to grow my Punch rubber dam course across the UK and internationally, and expand hands-on teaching with Kuraray Noritake, focusing on both direct and indirect restorative workflows. Clinically, I’m aiming to take on larger ceramic and full mouth rehab cases, while personally I’m prioritising family, my cat Tony, travel, and intentional living.
How do you stay motivated to innovate and grow in a field that is constantly evolving?
I surround myself with passionate peers and choose CPD that inspires me and has real clinical application. Teaching also forces me to keep learning and evolving.
How do you maintain a good work/life balance?
I’ve reduced my clinical days to four, which was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Protecting time and not ignoring my hobbies has been very important. I love gardening to relax, and I love looking after my lawn – I would recommend lawn maintenance to any dentist looking to destress!
‘I’m inspired by dentists who combine artistry with integrity, and those who’ve built their own path in the profession. I also draw daily inspiration from my colleagues’
Who is your inspiration?
I’m inspired by dentists who combine artistry with integrity, and those who’ve built their own path in the profession. I also draw daily inspiration from my colleagues – and my wife, who’s also a dentist (a very talented one) and always pushes me to be better.
What advice would you give to younger dentists?
Master the basics first – your first investments should be loupes and a camera so you can see and learn from your own work. Be pragmatic; always use rubber dam for adhesive dentistry, focus on perfecting simple procedures before progressing, and don’t follow the crowd. Go abroad for courses, broaden your horizons, stay humble and curious.
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