In this power issue Grazia’s International Beauty Editor, Kaniz Ali speaks to Dr Wajiha Basir.
The scent of eucalyptus hangs softly in the air. Not the cloying, spa style stuff, but something more intentional elegant, barely perceptible. In this Wilmslow sanctuary, where warm wood tones meet clinical precision, a new kind of dental experience is unfolding. And at the centre of it is Wajiha Basir, a woman whose quiet magnetism makes you forget you’re in a dental clinic at all.
She moves through Trinity House Dental Care with the calm assurance of someone who has turned every inch of it into a reflection of her values: intention, compassion, and world class care. Her patients come for the smile makeovers and implant precision but what they really stay for is the atmosphere she’s crafted: one that treats the whole person, not just their teeth.
Raised in a home where poetry met science her grandfather, the revered Urdu poet Nasir Kazmi, and her parents, a dentist mother and an MBE awarded community leader father Basir was steeped early in dual languages: one of intellect, and one of empathy. It’s this fusion that defines her. She’s not interested in vanity metrics or Insta friendly veneers. She’s here to restore confidence, ease and self care.
Kaniz: Talk to us about your background
Dr Wajiha: I’m a proud British Pakistani, raised in a family that beautifully blended science and the arts. Growing up surrounded by compassion, creativity and intellect, it felt natural to pursue dentistry a field where art meets science, and every interaction calls for both skill and heart. As the granddaughter of the celebrated Urdu poet, Late Nasir Kazmi, I come from a family where creativity and service run deep. With a mother who is a dentist and a father who is both a poet and an MBE honoured community leader, I was raised with a strong sense of purpose and a deep rooted desire to make a difference in my own way.
After graduating from Manchester Dental School in 2007, I’ve remained committed to lifelong learning completing postgraduate qualifications in Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry, Implantology, and Healthcare Education. I’m also a proud member of the Royal College of Surgeons of both England and Edinburgh.
As the owner of Trinity House Dental Care in Wilmslow, I’ve built a private practice focused on clinical excellence and patient centred care. In 2025, we were proud finalists for Practice of the Year (North West) and I’ve been honoured with multiple national nominations, including finalist for Dentist of the Year and Practice Principal of the Year Highly Commended. Giving back is a core part of who I am and I feel incredibly privileged to use my time, voice and skills to support causes that matter. I serve as a trustee for two charities very close to my heart: Stockdales, which supports children and adults with complex needs, and APPSUKF, which works to improve healthcare and education in underserved communities in Pakistan.
This work gives my professional life greater meaning. It keeps me grounded, reminds me of what truly matters, and constantly reconnects me to the deeper purpose behind why I do what I do. Mentoring young dentists and empowering women in healthcare is also a cause I care deeply about. I want to create space for others to rise, to lead, and to make their mark because lifting each other up is how we create lasting change.
Outside the clinic, I’m a mother of two, and family is at the heart of everything I do. Parenthood has deepened my empathy and shaped how I care for patients with calm, compassion, and presence. My love for the arts music, photography, painting continues to influence my clinical work, especially in cosmetic dentistry, where precision and design go hand in hand.
Kaniz: What inspired you to become a dental surgeon ?
Dr Wajiha: My inspiration to become a dentist started very close to home with my mum.
Despite the challenges that come with early motherhood, she never gave up on her dream of becoming a dentist. I watched her juggle being a devoted mum while pursuing her studies and building her career with such determination, grace, and strength.
Seeing her succeed and excel in her field made a deep impression on me. It taught me that with hard work and passion, nothing is out of reach and that caring for others is one of the most powerful things you can do. She’s not only my biggest inspiration but also my first role model in dentistry.
I’ve always loved working with people and have a strong creative side too, so dentistry felt like the perfect path for me. It allows me to combine the science and precision of healthcare with the artistry of creating beautiful, healthy smiles but more than that, helping and caring for others is the essence of who I am. Dentistry gives me the chance to live that every day.
Kaniz: What do you specialise in?
Dr Wajiha: I have a special interest in restorative dentistry, with a strong focus on both cosmetic and implant work.
A large part of my practice involves adhesive and minimally invasive dentistry. I’m a strong believer in preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. Whether I’m restoring worn teeth, replacing old or failing dental work, or carrying out cosmetic treatments like composite bonding or veneers, I use modern adhesive techniques to create strong, beautiful, and conservative restorations that feel and function like natural teeth.
Alongside this, I also provide advanced restorative care for patients with more complex needs such as those suffering from severe tooth wear, bite collapse, or a history of failed dentistry. These cases often require a comprehensive, whole mouth approach. I also have a particular passion for implant dentistry, especially in cases where teeth have been lost due to decay, trauma, or gum disease. Using fixed implant solutions, I help patients regain full function and confidence restoring smiles that are stable, natural looking, and life changing. I carry out all aspects of implant surgery, from single tooth replacement to more advanced, multi unit cases including same day smiles.
Kaniz: What are your greatest strengths as a dental surgeon?
Dr Wajiha: I would say for me my greatest strength lies in the connection I build with my patients. For me, dentistry is deeply personal and compassion and empathy are at the heart of everything I do. It’s not just about treating teeth it’s about understanding the person sitting in front of me: their story, their fears, their goals. I take the time to really listen, to hold space for vulnerability, and to make each person feel safe, seen and genuinely cared for. Many patients come to us carrying long held anxieties, past trauma, or years of shame around their oral health. I approach each interaction with patience, empathy, and kindness because I know that trust is something you earn, one moment at a time. Clinically, I blend advanced restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry with a calm, compassionate approach. Whether I’m restoring a single tooth or rebuilding a full smile, my focus is always on creating a positive, reassuring experience one that leaves patients feeling not only healthier, but more confident in themselves.
I feel incredibly privileged to do this work to connect, to comfort, to transform lives through care. At its heart, dentistry is about people. And the relationships I build with my patients are, without question, the most meaningful part of my job.
Kaniz: What inspired to open up your own clinic?
Dr Wajiha: I wanted to create something meaningful something with heart, purpose, and longevity. For me, Trinity House Dental Care isn’t just a dental practice; it’s a place where compassion meets clinical excellence, where both patients and team members feel like part of a family.
I wanted to build a space where patients felt genuinely safe, seen, and cared for not only medically, but emotionally too. At Trinity, we treat people, not just teeth. We take the time to listen, to connect, and to support each person on their journey to better health. At the same time, I was deeply committed to offering the highest standards of clinical care, using the latest technology and evidence based techniques. I wanted patients to benefit from the full scope of modern dentistry whether that’s advanced implant solutions, minimally invasive restorative work, or cutting edge digital dentistry all delivered under one roof, with integrity and attention to detail. Ultimately, I opened Trinity with the hope of building a legacy a place grounded in kindness, clinical excellence, and long lasting relationships. A space where patients return year after year, generation after generation, knowing they’re in trusted, capable hands.
Kaniz: Talk to us about the services and treatments the clinic offers?
Dr Wajiha: At Trinity House Dental Care, we go beyond treatments to offer an experience that is effortless, personalised, and truly bespoke. Designed for those who expect the highest standard of care, our practice blends innovation with five star service, making every visit an exceptional one.
What truly sets us apart, however, is our commitment to building lifelong relationships. At Trinity House, we understand that exceptional dentistry is about more than teeth it’s about caring for people. Our spa like surroundings further enhance the experience, offering a retreat like atmosphere where patients can feel at ease from the moment they step inside. From essential routine check ups and hygiene treatments to cosmetic smile makeovers, discreet orthodontics, and advanced implant procedures, we offer a full range of dental care tailored to each individual. Our services include everything from white fillings, teeth whitening, and composite bonding to digital smile design, clear aligners, and porcelain veneers. For patients with missing teeth, we provide expert implant solutions including same day implants all planned with the latest digital technology for precision and comfort. The beauty of Trinity House lies in the fact that it’s all delivered under one roof no referrals, no extra travel just seamless, high quality care from a team you know and trust.
Kaniz: What motivates you?
Dr Wajiha: Making a difference both inside and outside the clinic is what truly drives me. Dentistry offers a unique platform to change lives, not just through clinical care, but through kindness, giving, and genuine connection.
But my motivation extends beyond the dental chair. I’m passionate about using my skills and resources to support causes that matter whether volunteering at charitable dental clinics, backing local community projects, or fundraising for health and wellbeing initiatives. Giving back is central to who I am and reminds me every day why I chose this profession: to help people.
I believe real impact comes when we look beyond ourselves offering care, compassion, and support to those who need it most. That’s the fuel behind everything I do. As a business owner, healthcare provider, and mother, I’m also deeply committed to empowering other women both within healthcare and the wider community. My own journey has taught me the importance of resilience, hard work, and a strong support network. I’m dedicated to helping women realise their potential and seize opportunities they might otherwise miss.
Kaniz: What do you enjoy most about being a dental surgeon ?
Dr Wajiha: For me, the most rewarding part of being a dental surgeon is the deep connection I build with my patients. At the heart of everything I do is the trust and relationships that grow over time.
I’ve had the honour of looking after some of my patients for many years, watching their confidence grow and their lives transform. I’ve seen their children grow up, their families expand, and been there through milestones and changes. That lifelong relationship, built on kindness, understanding, and genuine care, is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Beyond clinical work, mentoring other dental professionals is incredibly fulfilling. Supporting and guiding others as they develop their skills and confidence gives me a real sense of purpose and connection to the future of dentistry.
Kaniz: If you were not a dental surgeon what would you be ?
Dr Wajiha: I’d still be doing something rooted in helping others perhaps in psychology or counselling, where connection and empathy are key. I’ve always felt drawn to roles that involve care, communication, and making people feel understood. But on the flip side, I’ve also had a love for the arts like painting and playing the piano but in particular acting. There’s something powerful about stepping into different roles, telling stories, and expressing emotion that really resonates with me. Acting allows you to connect with people in a completely different but equally meaningful way. In a strange way, dentistry and acting have more in common than people might think they both require confidence, communication, and the ability to make someone feel at ease in a moment of vulnerability.
So, if I weren’t in dentistry, I imagine I’d be somewhere between helping people and performing still trying to make a difference, just on a different kind of stage
Kaniz: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time
Dr Wajiha: Five years from now, I see myself still doing what I love caring for patients, creating confident smiles, and helping people feel at ease but also evolving in ways that allow me to give back more deeply to both my profession and the wider community.
I’d love to be mentoring more whether that’s guiding newly qualified dentists, supporting colleagues through the challenges of clinical life, or even creating a mentoring course that focuses not just on clinical skills, but on confidence, communication, and compassion.
I also hope to be more involved in outreach projects locally and abroad offering care to those who may not otherwise have access, and using the skills I’ve been blessed with to make a real difference in people’s lives. Ultimately, I see myself continuing to grow while staying rooted in purpose: leading with heart, inspiring others, and always finding new ways to serve with kindness. And above all, I hope Trinity House Dental Care carries on this legacy remaining a place of warmth, excellence, and lasting relationships for generations to come.
