The Interview: Dr Maria Kalkani
We interview our friend and colleague, Dr Maria Kalkani who is a specialist Paediatric dentist in London. We find out what she loves about her role and what advice she gives for keeping our children’s teeth healthy.
“Listen to your dentist - We are here to help you”
Dr Maria Kalkani
Why did you choose to specialise in Paediatric Dentistry?
Paediatrics chose me! I truly believe you need to have certain personality traits to enjoy and be successful in this speciality. Paediatric dentists need great empathy, creativity, playfulness and lots of patience. We need to be excellent multitaskers, as more often than not we perform examinations and procedures and need to communicate important information to both children and their parents. I always loved the idea of working with children, even before I went to Dental School. After spending a few years gaining important broad clinical experience, I decided to undergo academic NHS specialist training and dedicate my career in treating children. I never looked back!
What do you find rewarding?
It is a privilege to take care of the dental needs of all my patients, and at the same time develop long-lasting relationships with their families. Bringing smiles to little faces, reassurance and relief to parents, building good dental habits and playing a part in shaping healthy, confident young adults is the most rewarding feeling.
How has the dental industry changed?
For the biggest part of my dental career, I have worked as part of multidisciplinary teams in big NHS hospitals. I am very happy to see this set-up being replicated more and more now in the dental world outside the hospitals. I am a great believer in bringing experts together, exchanging experiences and ideas in order to provide the best care to our patients. Dentistry in 2021 is more collaborative than authoritative!
What has has been your biggest accomplishment?
As I grow older, I prefer to reflect on and appreciate daily achievements, however small or big they might look. Every child and parent that walk out of my surgery healthier, more educated and with a smile on their face feels like the greatest accomplishment. As I grow older, I prefer to reflect on and appreciate daily achievements, however small or big they might look. Every child and parent that walk out of my surgery healthier, more educated and with a smile on their face feels like the greatest accomplishment.
Can you offer any advice for patients?
Listen to your dentist, we are here to help you. There are no good or bad foods, children can enjoy everything in moderation, including chocolate. Try not to use sweet foods as rewards. Brush your children’s teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, until your paediatric dentist advises they have the dexterity to brush efficiently by themselves.
Biography
In 2016 Dr Kalkani successfully completed her Diploma of Membership in Paediatric Dentistry (MPaed Dent) from Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons of England with the surgical colleges in Edinburgh and Glasgow. She was also awarded a Master’s Degree in Clinical Dentistry with Distinction by the University of Leeds. Dr Kalkani is a member of the British, European and International Society of Paediatric Dentistry. She has published her research in international peer-reviewed journals and has lectured nationally and internationally on subjects related to Paediatric Dentistry. We took time to interview her on what makes her do what she does.
Follow Dr Maria Kalkani on Instagram: @little_tooth_doctor