Mind Movers #24 — Annika Patel

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.