Cover Story: We Can Do It! by Dr Mahrukh Khwaja

Dr Mahrukh Khwaja, founder of the Empowering Women in Dentistry group, discusses her vision of a more equal and mentally supported profession

What does the phrase ‘female empowerment’ mean to you?
Equality, diversity and inclusion. In the world of work, that would mean women are treated, respected, encouraged and nurtured to allow for progression and reach high visibility positions.

What led you to make a women’s group?
My ‘aha’ moment came to me on the Underground, travelling to another restorative course. It dawned on me how I really wanted to progress in my career, but didn’t know who to turn for mentorship because I couldn’t see any prominent female role models.

Representation matters! We need only to look at our own childhood experiences to appreciate the significance of our attachments and the value of role models to inspire and encourage us to be the best versions of ourselves.

Having worked in dentistry for more than eight years as a general and cosmetic dentist, and having experienced some very negative and abusive work environments, I recognised how isolating it was working in practice. I didn’t feel part of a community that fostered kindness and support. I researched for an active group but couldn’t find one in the UK. In that moment I knew I just had to do something.

Sometimes we don’t get a seat at the table, so we have to create the seat.

What are the goals of the Empowering Women in Dentistry group?
My vision is that it helps women overcome barriers in putting themselves forward for leadership roles and create a profession that equally represents both genders. The group aims to showcase positive female role models, challenge inequalities and enhance wellness.

I appreciate the importance of creating a shared sense of community, and this women’s group is a safe space to do so.

Describe your journey in creating this group.
I initially thought to interview female dentists and approach different dental journals. It wasn’t until I spoke to another entrepreneur that it struck me that I needed to embrace my fear and have a bigger vision in creating something new. I starting by creating a blog, getting my message out, and building a social media presence. An illustrator helped me design a logo and then I braved a YouTube channel.

With many positive responses and forums for debate, I decided to organise workshops for face-to-face collaborations.

The first workshop started small, with a life coach, but centred on creating a big vision. The second saw me pairing up with an entrepreneur from outside dentistry to discuss setting up a thriving business. Audience members commented how both female speakers inspired them to take the steps to make their ideas a reality.

The monthly socials are centred on getting dental professionals and allied health professionals together to discuss their day-to-day experiences. I love the connections they foster and the conversations that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.

How has social media helped to further the cause?
Social media can be both a joy and curse, and I think it helps to be mindful of the messages you tell yourself while you’re scrolling through your Instagram feed.

Using social media to promote an interview with Dr. Slaine McGrath

I wanted to create posts that were positive and centred on self-care, and to encourage rather than fuel the negative inner critical voices that so many of us battle with.

I’ve discussed significant, varied issues with several dentists, including maternity pay (with Dr. Chhaya Chauhan), bullying (with Dr. Yasmin Shakarchy), working with the homeless (with Dr. Natalie Bradley), how dentists can get involved in politics (with Dr.?Sejal Bhansali) and how to use social media to further your dental career (with Dr. Slaine McGrath).

My podcasts have centred on mental health support—the first was on coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety or mental health sufferers, and the other was on mindfulness.

I also created a video with a psychiatrist on the issues that dentists face around mental health specifically. Since I’ve uploaded these videos, I routinely get messages from dentists who struggle with mental health, stress or harassment. It has literally changed the conversations I have around dentistry.

Why is mental health so important to you?
I’ve come head-to-head with a number of challenges: bullying within the workplace and its impact on my self-esteem, and also getting through a divorce. Some tough life lessons were learnt and also my self-discovery journey started. I learnt about my own coping mechanisms.

I recently created a special arts event, Word of Mouth, to celebrate the creativity of the dental team. Men and women are coming together to showcase spoken-word, singing and art, with all proceeds being raised for the mental health charity Mind.

What could help dentists facing mental health challenges?
In this profession, talking openly about mental health is still taboo. The more transparency around mental health, however, can really help empower someone else. It can also help to prevent normalising questionable behaviours—for example, emotional abuse at work.

Self-care and self-growth are important skills and concepts to develop. Talking therapy can really help you achieve your potential and work on yourself in a safe environment.

To enhance mental well-being at work, I decided to pursue my local MP and then the Health Secretary. I gathered statements from dentists of their personal experiences and the lack of support given at GDP level, I discussed introducing an initiative that helps empower staff and look after their well-being.

What’s your vision for the future?
I’d love to see the women’s group grow, with sponsorship and support from dental organisations. I’m also currently working on two dream projects—a women’s conference with an emphasis on wellness, and a TED X event on the theme ‘Planting a Seed’. I’m looking forward to creating new conversations centred around dentistry and health.

What advice would you give to young graduates?
Have a big vision! It all starts with this powerful statement. Allow yourself to dream big, whether it’s to set up your own practice or to be on the global stage teaching. It is possible, but you have to first plant that seed.

You may think that only certain personality types get successes, but that’s changing in the women I see progressing today. You can be both introverted and determined. Public speaking skills and confidence can be learnt.

If you’re unsure how to unlock your potential, look to workshops and TED Talks for inspiration, and start journaling and having honest conversations with yourself. What is it that you really want to achieve? And why?

Put yourself out there. It’s easy to think that the dentists you see doing well have had great luck, connections and privilege—and all of those elements undoubtedly help—but you need to put yourself out there to achieve your dream project. That takes courage and a certain amount of fearlessness. It may mean creating your own logo and website. It may mean posting your dental images onto Instagram and creating a portfolio. It may mean getting in contact with a dentist you admire and getting a mentor. It could mean asking or applying for opportunities, such as with a big dental organisations.

You’ll go face to face with fear of failure, but without taking the plunge, you stay static.

Comparison is a losing game. Be mindful of the messages we tell ourselves by comparing our dentistry and lives to others’.The ‘I’m not good enough’ rhetoric is one we all battle. It takes deliberate effort, but it is possible to internalise positive statements instead.

Remind yourself that your successes come and go like the rest of the world. Celebrate your achievements more. And remember just how far you’ve come.

Dr Mahrukh Khwaja, BDS BSc MJDF, qualified in 2010 from King’s College London. Khwaja practices general dentistry in Greenwich and Dartford, and is looking to complete her postgraduate certificate in aesthetic dentistry. She is passionate about raising mental health awareness and promoting psychologically based wisdom to develope balance and joy among women in dentistry. Follow the movement on Instagram, YouTube and online blog.

At a recent BACD meeting, DentaltownUK editor Mike Gow and editorial advisory board member Dr Elaine Halley discussed female dentists and academic/educational roles within the profession, and why there may be differences in their representation. To watch the video, click the image.