Through the Keyhole: Surgery—Home and Away

Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what made you pursue a career in dentistry.

My name is Anoop Maini, I am a general dentist with an interest in aesthetic and restorative dentistry. I qualified in 1992 and have been a fully private dentist in London’s West End since 1998.

Due to my passion in GDP orthodontics I joined the teaching faculty of the IAS Orthodontic Academy in 2015.

My motivation to do dentistry was from my uncle who was a dentist and from spending some time shadowing a local general dental clinic. I was attracted to the clinical and business aspect of dentistry and being the leader of a team.

If you hadn’t become a dentist, what job do you think you would have had?

I would probably done something else in the medical field such as ophthalmics or medicine.

Which university did you study at, and what qualifications do you have?

I qualified from Kings college London in 1992 with a BDS degree . In 1993 I gained my DGDP from the Faculty of General Dental Surgery.

What are your particular interests/skills in dentistry?

Smile makeover dentistry using an orthodontic fixed appliances combined with restorative procedures.

Who would you say has had the biggest influence in your career

Dental

Dr Tif Qureshi for introducing me to the Inman aligner and the concept of Align , Bleach and Bond .

Non-dental

Tony Robbins for inspiring me to chase my dreams

What is your favourite procedure to carry out?

Fixed appliance orthodontics . I enjoy the interdisciplinary approach of using orthodontics to assist with restorative procedures

What could you not work without?

My 3.8x magnification loupes with LED light. I would be blind without them.

Are you involved in any organisations or societies?

I was the founding past president of the European Society of Aesthetic Orthodontics , Past president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and currently a part of the teaching faculty of the IAS Orthodontic Academy.

What are your interests outside of dentistry

I am an avid Arsenal supporter - a season ticket holder with my 14 year old son . I also enjoy playing tennis and traveling.

What do you think is the biggest problem or challenge in dentistry today?

The increasing litigation and the conduct of the GDC in over regulating the profession is affecting how dentists, particularly younger dentists , are caring for their patients because they approaching care from a medico legally defensive perspective which I personally is not healthy for the profession.

What is the biggest advancement you have seen in dentistry in your career?

The digital workflow is affecting all areas of dentistry with scanning , digital treatment planning and computerised aided design with the ability to then print or mill components.

What would you like to see change in dentistry in the next 10 years?

From an orthodontic perspective the return of the tier 2 DWSI diploma to recognise the ability of GDPs in the delivery of orthodontics in the UK.

Describe the most successful or rewarding experience in your professional life.

Starting my clinic Aqua Dental Spa in London’s West End in 2006 which grew to be a successful 3 surgery practice focused primarily on offering aesthetic dental treatments to patients who wanted to improve their smiles. In 2016 I sold the clinic to a corporate.

I have now started another clinic called Aqua Dental Clinic in Hatch end, Middlesex which is now 2 years old.

What is your favourite film?

The Godfather

What type of music do you listen to?

I like RNB

What would you like to see in the dentaltownuk magazine in the future?

It would be great to draw experiences from successful entrepreneurs outside dentistry in service industries to learn from their business skills.

Please list your top 5 favourite products (materials, technology/equipment)

1) IAS Clear Smile Braces- the digital treatment planning, the digital bracket placements with quality ceramic brackets delivered in printed jigs make fixed orthodontics much easier to deliver

2) Quickloupes 3.8x TTL loupes with LED light.

3) Quicklase 5W laser for gingivolpasty and frenectomies.

4) Venus Pearl composite for its ease of use, excellent aesthetics and strength.

5) Cerec for CADCAM restorations and oral scanning.