In this sizzling issue of Grazia, our international beauty editor Kaniz Ali glams up and interviews multi award winning dentist Dr Rhona Eskander. Dr Rhona shares with us her experience of being one of the top dentists in the UK and how to manage your own dental practice.
Kaniz: Talk to us about your background
Dr. Rhona: Growing up with a blend of Lebanese, Palestinian, German, and Egyptian roots has given me a unique perspective on life. My dad’s story, starting in the UK with barely anything to his name and pushing through medical school, alongside my mom leaving her life in the UK to explore new opportunities, has always been a source of inspiration for me. My parents met in Saudi Arabia, and their story feels like something out of a fairy tale, falling deeply in love so quickly and deciding to build a life together. They saw each other in the hospital and after six months they got engaged and have been together for 40 years still madly in love
The decision to move to the UK for the sake of a better future for us was brave. I was only five, barely understanding English, stepping into a completely new world. It was tough, especially with dad struggling to find his footing in the NHS again and mom doing everything possible to ensure we received a good education, despite the rough neighborhood we lived in. Schooling was tough as the schools around us were really rough with high crime and drop out rates. This meant that my parents did everything they could to keep us in private education. They scarified everything and worked double shifts to keep us in private schools. The value of education to me was extremely strong.
These experiences, challenging as they were, taught me the true value of resilience and hard work. Being bullied and feeling excluded because my parents couldn’t always be there due to their commitments was hard, but it only made me more determined. I wasn’t allowed to play with certain kids because the parents felt my parents were not present and couldn’t afford all the extra stuff. The lack of acceptance pushed me harder to do better
My parents immigrant mindset, this relentless pursuit of a better life against all odds, that has been a driving force behind my own successes. It’s like carrying a piece of my parents’ courage and determination within me, using it to navigate and thrive in my own journey.
Kaniz: What inspired you to become a dentist ?
Dr. Rhona: From a young age, dentistry captivated me, a fascination ignited during a visit to my aunt in America, a practicing dentist. What struck me most was the continuous patient interaction, a stark contrast to the episodic visits typical in medicine. Though my family background was steeped in medicine, I was drawn to the tangible, hands-on nature of dentistry.
My academic path wasn’t straightforward. After failing my eleven-plus, teachers suggested drama might be my only strength due to my love for acting. I proved them wrong by dedicating myself to my studies, achieving the grades needed for dental school despite attending a less academic institution.
My journey to becoming a dentist was riddled with challenges, including biases faced during university interviews. Bristol, my top choice, rejected me based on unfounded assumptions about my appearance. However, I adapted for my Leeds interview, presenting a more reserved image, and was accepted. Dental school felt isolating at times, with my creative inclinations setting me apart.
After graduation, I committed a decade to the NHS, gaining invaluable experience. Despite all my academic accolades I could not secure a vocational training place which is essential to work on the NHS. I eventually was accepted through clearing to a place in Kent. My career took a significant turn in Kent, where, inspired by a colleague’s work in aesthetic dentistry, I dedicated myself to further education and skill development. I spent all my time, money and skills to build up a portfolio and started to CV drop all over London. This led to an opportunity in Kensington, where I initially covered maternity leave. My boss at the time was trying to sell his private practice in Chelsea which changed hands several times.
Seeking greater challenges, I transitioned to his private practice in Chelsea. I told him I want to make it work. He thought I was crazy- the practice wasn’t even seeing one patient a month. As a self employed dentist I was risking my income. When I arrived at the practice I be friended the practice manager. Instagram was just starting and during its embryonic stages I saw the power it had. Invisalign was also nearing its boom.
Through strategic use of social media influencers and Invisalign, I transformed the practice from struggling to thriving, culminating in a fully booked schedule for six months. After three years I ended up buying the practice but sadly completed on buying ten days before National lock down in 2020.
Amidst this success, I also co-founded PÄRLA with Dr. Simon and Dr. Adarsh. PÄRLA, rooted in sustainability, aims to revolutionise dental care with eco-friendly products. Our mission resonated with major retailers, leading to widespread adoption. My appearance on Dragon’s Den with PÄRLA, though resulting in an offer, ended with me rejecting the deal, confident in our vision and the path we had forged.
Purchasing the Chelsea practice just before a national lockdown was a gamble that paid off. Today, I lead a thriving practice with 25 staff members and five surgeries, a testament to the resilience and innovation borne from my diverse background and the challenges I’ve faced. PÄRLA’s success in major retailers, underpinned by our sustainable mission with Dr. Simon and Dr. Adarsh, highlights our collective commitment to eco-conscious dental care, shaping the future of the industry.
Kaniz: What are your greatest strengths as a dentist and what do you specilise in?
Dr. Rhona: Empathy is the foundation of my approach in dentistry, treating each patient with the care and consideration I’d show to my own family. My practice thrives on my keen interest in cosmetic dentistry, particularly in the realms of smile design, ultra-thin contact lens veneers, and bonding. Smile design is a tailored process that enhances a patient’s smile by carefully considering facial aesthetics, the gum line, and the alignment, size, shape, and color of the teeth. This personalised approach aims to boost both the appearance and confidence of the individual.
Ultra-thin contact lens veneers, much like their name suggests, are exceptionally slender veneers that adhere to the front surface of teeth to improve their cosmetic appearance. These veneers are minimally invasive, often requiring little to no alteration of the natural tooth structure, making them a popular choice for those seeking aesthetic enhancements without extensive dental work.
Bonding, another facet of my practice, involves the application of a tooth-colored resin to repair and improve the appearance of a tooth. This technique can address issues such as discoloration, chips, and gaps, providing a simple yet effective cosmetic solution.
While I may not specialise in one particular area of dentistry, my passion for aesthetic treatments like these ensures that my practice is well-equipped to offer a multi-specialist approach. This enables each dentist within our team to deliver the highest standard of personalised care, ensuring that every patient’s unique dental needs and aesthetic goals are met with precision and empathy.
My clinic is a multi specialist clinic. A multi-specialist practice in dentistry refers to a dental clinic or facility that houses a diverse team of dental specialists under one roof. This type of practice offers a wide range of specialised dental services, catering to various aspects of oral health and dental care. The goal is to provide comprehensive care to patients, addressing all their dental needs in a single location, which enhances convenience and ensures a coordinated approach to treatment.
In my multi-specialist dental practice, you find specialists such as:
Endodontists: Experts in treating diseases of the dental pulp and performing root canal therapy
Orthodontists: Focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, such as misaligned teeth and jaws, often using braces and aligners
Periodontists: Specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants.
Cosmetic Dentists: Although not a recognized specialty in many regions, these practitioners focus on improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and bite.
Having a multi-specialist practice allows for a multidisciplinary approach to dental care, where specialists collaborate to create comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. This setup is particularly beneficial for complex cases requiring the expertise of several dental specialists, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care without the need for multiple referrals to different locations.
Kaniz: What inspired to open up your own clinic ?
Dr. Rhona: My dream of running my own business was always about craving that sense of freedom – to chart my own course and bring my own visions to life. This drive is something I see mirrored in many women who step into the world of entrepreneurship, seeking autonomy and the chance to steer their lives according to their own rules.
My dad has been a massive influence on me. Watching him navigate through life’s challenges with sheer determination to provide for us has been incredibly motivating. I wanted to build something of my own not just for the sake of independence, but to make him proud, to show him that his hard work and sacrifices were the foundation of my own success.
Like many women entrepreneurs, I was drawn to the flexibility that owning a business could offer, allowing me to blend my personal and professional life in a way that felt harmonious. There’s this deep-seated desire to do work that not only excites and fulfills me but also makes a tangible difference. Starting my own practice was about creating a space where I could implement my ideas, make an impact, and pursue my passion for dentistry on my own terms.
In essence, my journey into business ownership is a blend of personal ambition and the broader motivations that drive many women to take the leap into entrepreneurship. It’s about seeking autonomy, fulfilling a passion, achieving a balance, and making a meaningful impact, all while honouring the legacy of resilience and hard work instilled in me by my father.
Kaniz: Talk to us about the services and treatments the clinic offers ?
Dr. Rhona: At our clinic, we pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive range of multi-specialist dental services and treatments, designed to cater to every aspect of our patients’ oral health needs:
1. Periodontal Treatment: This involves managing and treating conditions affecting the gums and the structures supporting the teeth. From preventing gum disease to treating gingivitis and more advanced periodontitis, our focus is on ensuring the health and integrity of your gum tissue.
2. Root Canal Therapy: A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. This procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting it, and then filling and sealing it to prevent further infection.
3. Smile Design: This personalized cosmetic treatment plan aims to enhance the overall appearance of your smile. By considering your facial aesthetics, we tailor interventions like reshaping, aligning, and whitening your teeth to give you a smile that complements your unique features.
4. Holistic Dentistry: We adopt a holistic approach to dental care, considering the impact of dental health on your overall well-being. This includes using biocompatible materials and considering the effects of dental treatments on your entire body.
5. Regular Fillings and Check-Ups: Essential for maintaining oral health, our regular services include treating cavities with fillings and performing comprehensive dental check-ups to monitor and maintain your oral health.
6. Orthodontics: This branch of dentistry deals with correcting teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. We offer various orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces and more discreet options like clear aligners, to align your teeth and improve your bite.
7. Hygiene and Therapy: Our dental hygiene services focus on preventing oral diseases through professional cleanings, educating patients on proper home care, and offering treatments like scaling and root planing for those with gum disease.
8. Whitening: We offer professional teeth whitening services to brighten your smile and remove stains caused by food, drink, or aging, providing you with a more youthful and vibrant appearance.
9. Veneers: Porcelain or composite veneers are thin shells custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth, improving their color, shape, size, or length. Veneers are an excellent option for those looking to correct issues such as discoloration, chips, or gaps.
10. Bonding: Dental bonding involves the application of a tooth-colored resin material to the tooth surface, which is then hardened with a special light. This technique is used to repair chips, cracks, and gaps, enhancing the appearance of your smile.
11. Injection Moulding: This advanced technique involves injecting a composite material into the tooth to build up its structure. It’s particularly useful for restoring decayed teeth, closing gaps, and improving the tooth’s shape and appearance.
Our clinic’s mission is to provide exceptional care across all these services, ensuring each patient receives personalised treatment that not only addresses their dental needs but also contributes to their overall health and confidence.
Kaniz: You are also seen on tv, what made you head into the world of television ?
Dr. Rhona: Ever since I was little, I’ve dreamt of being on TV, not for the fame, but for the chance to reach out and make a difference to more people than I ever could from just my clinic. Dr. Zoe Williams was a huge role model for me in this respect; a friend put her on my radar, and I was instantly hooked on her approach and her impact.
Taking a leap of faith in 2017, I found myself waiting outside the ITV studios, hoping to catch Dr. Zoe. When she appeared, I took my chance and asked her for a coffee. That coffee turned into one of the most pivotal moments in my career, as she offered me advice and support that I treasure to this day.
That same year marked my TV debut on “This Morning.” It was a nerve-wracking but exhilarating experience that taught me a valuable lesson: you won’t get anywhere unless you put yourself out there and ask. That appearance was just the beginning. Thanks to the educational content I’ve been passionate about posting online, I’ve been invited back several times, each opportunity reinforcing my belief in the power of media to educate and connect.
Kaniz: What motivates you ?
Dr. Rhona: It might seem odd, but the fear of failure is actually a driving force for me. This fear pushes me to work harder, prepare more thoroughly, and stay focused on my goals. It’s not just about the dread of not succeeding; it’s about using that apprehension as a catalyst to ensure I give my best effort. This motivation leads to meticulous planning, continuous learning, and persistent effort, turning potential setbacks into stepping stones towards success.
Additionally, the aspiration to make my parents proud serves as another significant motivator. This desire goes beyond mere achievement; it’s about honoring the values they’ve instilled in me and reflecting the sacrifices they’ve made. Striving to make my parents proud pushes me to uphold high standards, pursue excellence, and embody the principles they’ve taught me. It’s a way of giving back, showing appreciation, and connecting my successes to the broader narrative of my family’s hopes and dreams, adding a profound layer of meaning and purpose to my endeavors.
Kaniz: Tell us an interesting fact about dentistry you can share with our readers ?
Dr. Rhona: Dentistry and systemic health share a bidirectional relationship, meaning that oral health can influence overall health, and vice versa. This interconnection is based on the understanding that the mouth is not isolated from the rest of the body, and issues in one area can affect the other.
From Oral to Systemic Health
Oral health conditions, particularly periodontal (gum) disease, have been linked to a variety of systemic diseases. The bacteria responsible for periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream through the gums, potentially affecting other parts of the body. For example:
• Cardiovascular Disease: The inflammation and infections caused by oral bacteria can lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Diabetes: Periodontal disease can exacerbate diabetes by making blood sugar more difficult to control. Conversely, diabetes can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease, creating a vicious cycle.
• Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing respiratory diseases like pneumonia, especially in vulnerable populations.
• Pregnancy Complications: Periodontal disease has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight.
From Systemic to Oral Health
Systemic diseases and their treatments can also have significant impacts on oral health:
• Diabetes: As mentioned, diabetes increases the risk of periodontal disease, but it can also lead to dry mouth, which increases the risk of dental caries (cavities).
• Osteoporosis: This condition, which leads to bone loss, can affect the jawbone, leading to tooth loss and affecting the fit and comfort of dental prostheses.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome can cause dry mouth, significantly impacting oral health. Others, like Crohn’s disease, can lead to oral manifestations such as ulcers.
• Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy and radiation can cause a range of oral health issues, including dry mouth, mucositis (painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes), and increased risk of infection.
This bidirectional relationship highlights the importance of considering oral health as an integral part of overall health and underscores the need for dental and medical professionals to work collaboratively in patient care. It also emphasises the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene as a key component of overall health and well-being.
CEO: Zahra Saifullah
Managing Editor: Nashmia Amir Butt
Creatively directed by Kaniz Ali
Photography by Danny Singh
Hair / Make Up and & Styling by Kaniz Ali
Assistant: Iman Chana
Location: London, UK
Words by Sibgha Batoo
