Specialist orthodontist Annika Patek opens up about the challenges of dental study and practise for those who don’t fit the mould. 

The conversation delves into the challenges of being a career-focused woman in dentistry, including sacrificing family and relationships for speciality training. 

Annika discusses her experiences with marriage and motherhood while working as a specialist, the importance of mental resilience and camaraderie and support within the profession.

Enjoy!

In This Episode

00:02:25 - Backstoty

00:06:00 - Discovering dentistry

00:09:30 - Dental school

00:15:20 - General practice,  VT and specialist training

00:22:10 - Conformity and non-conformity

00:25:58 - Family, study, and careers

00:34:10 - Ortho training challenge

00:40:20 - GDPs and ortho

00:44:25 - Marriage and motherhood

00:52:30 - Ortho highs and lows

00:54:05 - Support and camaraderie

00:57:00 - Mental resilience

01:00:00 - Lingual Vs Invisalign

About Annika Patel

Annika gained a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree and postgraduate Masters in Orthodontics from King’s College London.

She trained in maxillofacial and oral surgery and paediatric dentistry before completing specialist training in Orthodontics at Guy’s Hospital and the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead. 

Annika has a keen interest in the intersection of science, orthodontics, and art.