What did you study at A-level and why did you select those subjects?
I studied an A-level in Medicine at Kharkiv National University in Ukraine. I chose it because I aspired to become a dentist and help people improve their knowledge of daily oral care as it is commonly ignored.
What PhD did you study?
I spent seven years pursuing my PhD. However, as one of my project results was not ready to present and I did not want to extend the research period further, I decided to conclude my studies with an MPhil degree.
What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
My goal of becoming a dentist made me realise the importance of in-depth education. After completing my bachelor’s degree in dentistry, I decided to dedicate my time to research.
During my PhD studies, I worked on three main projects:
- Assessing the association between oral hygiene and preterm birth using quantitative light-induced fluorescence;
- A direct comparison between extracted tooth and filter-membrane biofilm models of endodontic irrigation using Enterococcus faecalis;
- Dental plaque regrowth studies to evaluate chewing gum formulations containing magnolia bark extract.
What key skills did you learn at university?
Critical thinking is essential — a skill that is invaluable not only in research and clinical practice but also in everyday life.
What jobs have you had during your career?
Apart from working as a dentist and dental therapist, I have also worked as an Associate Clinical Education Manager at Align Technology China.
What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
I am currently working as a Locum Dental Therapist in London. My work mainly focuses on paediatric and adult preventive dentistry, which provides periodontal and restorative care for both adults and children.
Do you have an area of expertise?
My area of expertise in research is the relationship between oral hygiene and preterm birth. Through years of research, we found that poor oral hygiene during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth.
What has been your most exciting project or career role?
One of my most rewarding experiences was working as a Clinical Education Manager at Align Technology in China. In this role, I provided both online and in-person training for employees and dentists.
I was also the sole presenter representing the China region at the Align APAC Annual Meeting in 2023 and hosted several company conferences. These experiences significantly strengthened my presentation and communication skills.
What are your top tips for working in your industry?
Compassion is essential in clinical practice. Always put your patients’ needs first and tailor your approach to each individual. Prevention should always be the goal — that’s the true way clinicians can make a lasting difference.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Maintain mental calmness. Many patients feel nervous in the dental chair, so being able to help them relax while delivering high-quality treatment is key to building trust — especially with children.
Any advice you’d like to share?
Always work with respect and honesty. Communication and patience are key to success.
Why are you passionate about your career?
I am passionate about helping people understand the latest information on oral care and how oral health impacts overall health — something many people are still unaware of.
More resources:
Publication: Assessing the association between oral hygiene and preterm birth by quantitative light-induced fluorescence
Publication: A direct comparison between extracted tooth and filter-membrane biofilm models of endodontic irrigation using Enterococcus faecalis
Publication: Dental plaque regrowth studies to evaluate chewing gum formulations incorporating magnolia bark extract