Deepa Bharakhda, winner of the Dental Technician award at the Dentistry Awards 2025, discusses her career so far and what winning meant to her.
Please introduce yourself
My name is Deepa and I am a dental technician based in Leicester, currently working at J Vara Dental Laboratory. I have a special interest in prosthetics and implant prosthetics, with a growing passion for crown and bridge work.
I consider myself very fortunate to be in a workplace that encourages continuous learning, allowing me to develop my skills in both traditional prosthetics and digital dentistry, ultimately aiming to become a versatile and well-rounded dental technician.
What drives me most is the art of creating natural, lifelike smiles and the satisfaction of helping restore patient’s confidence. I also believe in the importance of strong, collaborative relationships with dentists, ensuring every case is handled with care and precision.
Beyond the lab, I am proud to be the co-founder of Nightshift, a platform supporting dental technicians through education and community. I also serve as the social media coordinator for the dental charity Den-Tech, helping raise awareness for access to dental care for those in need, and I am a key opinion leader (KOL) for Bredent UK, contributing to product development and education initiatives within the profession.
How and why did you become a dental technician?
It wasn’t until secondary school that I started seriously considering a career in dentistry.
I was eager to learn more about the field and took the initiative to arrange work experience placements at dental surgeries, immersing myself in the clinical environment.
When it came to my A-levels, I narrowly missed the grades required for dentistry. It felt like a setback at the time, but it turned out to be one of the best detours I could have taken. I decided to pursue a degree in dental technology at Manchester Metropolitan University, with the intention of applying for dentistry afterwards – that was the plan.
However, during my final year, everything changed. As part of our clinical sessions with second-year dental students, we worked together treating patients – with the dental students carrying out clinical assessments and myself fabricating dentures for the cases. That experience was a turning point. I realised just how much impact a dental technician could have on someone’s smile, confidence and overall wellbeing.
If you were not in dentistry, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t a dental technician, I think I would have ended up in a completely different profession – either a teacher, a lawyer, or even a barrister!
Quite the opposite to dentistry, I know, but growing up I was always drawn to roles that involved problem-solving, communication, and making a difference in people’s lives in some way. It’s funny how life leads you to where you’re meant to be, even if the path looks very different from what you first imagined.
What pushed you to enter the Dentistry Awards?
To be completely honest, the imposter syndrome in me would have never allowed myself to enter on my own. It was actually my best friend, Nina, who gave me the push I needed. She’s my biggest cheerleader and has always seen the passion and dedication I have for this profession, even at times when I doubted myself.
It was her encouragement and belief in me that made me take that step, and I’m so grateful she did. Sometimes, it takes the people around you to remind you of your worth and to help you see what you’re truly capable of.
How did it feel to win?
When my name was called, I was honestly shaking in disbelief – I couldn’t believe it for a second. It was one of those surreal moments when you almost have to pinch yourself to make sure it’s real. I felt so happy and overwhelmed with gratitude. It’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words, knowing that your work, passion and efforts to share knowledge, support fellow technicians, and give back to the dental community have been recognised.
To have my name out there and be celebrated among so many talented people in our profession truly means the world to me.
Do you have a standout career moment?
One of the biggest standout moments in my career was when the team from Bredent UK and my rep, Dave Hanley, asked me to do a hands-on demonstration at one of the world’s largest global dental trade fairs. It was such a proud and surreal moment to be given the opportunity to showcase my skills and share my knowledge on an international platform.
To then be asked to become a KOL for Bredent was genuinely a dream come true. It was a huge personal and professional achievement, and a reminder of how far you can come when you stay passionate and open to new opportunities.
What’s your top piece of advice for other dental technicians?
Believe in yourself and just go for it! This profession is full of opportunities, but so often we hold ourselves back because of self-doubt or fear of not being good enough. I’ve been there, and I’ve learned that the biggest thing standing in our way is usually ourselves.
Whether it’s applying for an award, putting your work out there, attending a new course, or stepping out of your comfort zone, trust in your ability and take that leap.
What message would you give your younger self starting out in dental technology?
I would tell my younger self to spend more time on practical work, and to practise, practise and practise some more. Be patient with yourself; skills take time to develop, and it’s OK not to get everything perfect straight away.
I’d also remind myself not to be shy about asking questions. No question is ever too small or silly, and every bit of curiosity helps you grow. The more you ask, the more you learn – and it’s those moments of learning, even from mistakes, that shape you into a better technician. Trust the process and enjoy the journey.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I just want to remind anyone reading this, whether you’re a student, newly qualified, or years into your career, that this profession is what you make of it. Dental technology is an incredible blend of science, art and care. It’s a career where your hands and your creativity can truly change people’s lives.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself along the way. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and believe that you belong in every room you walk into. This profession needs passionate, driven people and if you’ve chosen this path, you have something special to offer.
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