Dr Shannu Bhatia, Cardiff University's Clinical Reader and Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, has been elected as the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry's new President.

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Dr Bhatia was handed the reins as BSPD President from Professor Paula Waterhouse at the BSPD's annual conference in Cardiff.

Dr Bhatia grew up in India and having graduated from Maulana Aza Medical College (MAMC) in Delhi university she completed her postgraduate training at Calcutta University. A significant challenge came as she transitioned to the UK to follow her husband to Swansea while they both pursued their early careers as junior doctors in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Shannu credits this period in her life, where she might only see her husband passing in the corridor on ward rounds, as developing the resilience that has helped her appreciate the proportionate relationship between hard work and reward.

Dr Bhatia found her real calling in paediatric dentistry as a house officer in Edinburgh and then worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. By this time her resolve was strengthened to specialise in paediatric dentistry, so she undertook specialist training programmes at the Eastman Dental Hospital UCLH and Cardiff University Dental Hospital to become a consultant in paediatric dentistry.

Dr Shannu Bhatia said: ‘I care passionately about our profession. So, for me ‘The Right Care, at the Right Time' is as much about nurturing the wellbeing of the dental workforce, as it is delivering for our patients. At the heart of what we do is people. Working with people - our patients, our students and our staff.

‘As paediatric dentists, we hold a unique and profound role in shaping the oral health and wellbeing of the youngest members of our society. Our work is not merely treating teeth; it is about nurturing smiles, fostering confidence, and laying the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. This philosophy aligns with the ethos of BSPD - and will be a focus during my Presidential year. I am incredibly excited, honoured and humbled to be incoming President for BSPD 2024/5.'