Sarika Shah explains why she was captivated by a historic dock within the coronary heart of town – and the way this went on to put the foundations for her new teaching position.
Ladies in dentistry usually face gender bias, which requires them to work tougher to show their capabilities and overcome stereotypes. Balancing management tasks with childcare and family commitments will also be difficult for individuals who run their very own enterprise, impacting their work-life stability.
Nevertheless, regardless of this, many feminine dentists discover time to advocate for gender equality and assist others navigate that very same path. As is commonly stated, if you would like something performed, ask a busy individual.
Sarika Shah is not any exception. Because the founder and proprietor of Platinum Dental Care, positioned within the Port East Constructing in London’s Canary Wharf, she is ever aware of the journey she has taken – and the obstacles she encountered alongside the best way. The challenges she faces juggling her clinic and enterprise tasks with motherhood have formed her management type and propelled her right into a extra advisory position. However extra on this later.
In 2017, when Sarika and her husband, Rishi, who has a banking background, had been contemplating investing in a dental observe, proximity performed an element. They initially centered their search on the capital’s suburbs.
Nevertheless, with a house within the metropolis and, on the time, making common visits to London’s Harley Road for IVF therapy, a former dental observe in West India Quay caught their eye – and captured their hearts.
Realizing the demographic
With Rishi well-placed to grasp the demographics and desires of a company clientele, they seized the chance. The comfort of not having to commute additionally had huge attraction.
‘We were considering practices on the outskirts of London, but Rishi was working in the City, and we lived in Canada Water, just across the river from West India Quay. As a banker, he understood the demographic well – so our market research was relatively straightforward,’ she laughs. ‘Many of our patients are in corporate roles – banking, IT and law – and often work long hours, so they prefer to have essential services and amenities within a short distance from their workplace and homes.’
The clinic is charmingly distinctive and located in a transformed dock constructing. On her preliminary go to, Sarika instantly felt a connection.
The uncovered brickwork and wooden created a heat, welcoming ambiance, starkly contrasting the scientific environments usually related to dental practices.
Over the approaching years, they undertook two refurbishments, meticulously mixing the outdated with the brand new to take care of the constructing’s character whereas guaranteeing a premium really feel.
Sarika remembers: ‘The constructing felt very earthed, with an excellent vibe and vitality. In refurbishing it, we had to make sure we saved every thing in tune. We redesigned the surgical procedures and launched two extra surgical procedures and a few workplace area. Rishi and I had been very a lot concerned with that – it was important to mix seamlessly with the prevailing structure, and even the color of the wooden matches.
‘We’re detail-oriented, and minor observations can affect probably the most. Our sufferers are professionals, and I imagine they admire that.
‘Strolling into our front-of-house area, every thing seems to be premium. We wished to create a clinic with a touch of a boutique lodge, and our observe branding displays this.
‘Ours is a dental practice focusing on patient care that embraces elements of the corporate world.’
Prioritising high quality
Sarika prioritised high quality in each side of growing her observe – from supplies and gear to furnishing and the general affected person journey.
‘We chose high-quality equipment, materials and tools to enhance the clinical experience,’ says Sarika. ‘As an associate, I worked with Belmont’s folding leg-rest chairs as a result of communication has at all times been vital. Sitting the affected person as much as have a dialog at eye degree is essential to delivering the service I need to present. I didn’t want to sit aspect by aspect, so we bought three chairs within the luxurious leather-based upholstery, permitting for higher affected person interplay and mixing completely with the high-end attraction to our affected person base.’
Providing a multidisciplinary strategy, Platinum Dental Care continues to broaden its beauty dentistry companies.
‘Dentistry is a delicate combination of art, science and communication,’ says Sarika. ‘I imagine in growing partnerships with my sufferers by breaking down their anxieties, making bonds and constructing belief to create the proper outcome.
‘My biggest achievement is when this result becomes life-changing for patients by making them more confident about their smiles and themselves.’
Flourish as a feminine
This want to vary lives is mirrored in her newest enterprise, too – however this time along with her skilled colleagues. Flourish as a Feminine is a two-day in-person course on self-leadership for all ladies throughout the business. Contributors may have one-to-one mentoring or teaching along with her. The initiative was borne out of her personal experiences.
‘Empowering women to find their voice is vital,’ she says.
‘Supporting other women on their journey is essential if you’ve discovered success in a selected space. Though success could be difficult, particularly for girls, shifting our mindset in direction of serving to others succeed is essential.
‘At 42, my experiences and observations have driven me to find my purpose. I am passionate about giving back, whether as a certified performance and mindset coach or in personal, clinical and business contexts. I see numerous ways to assist other women.’
Though the business is quickly evolving, conventional norms usually burden ladies with family duties and childcare tasks, however Sarika maintains that open conversations are essential. She suggests all of us want to search out different options relatively than shut doorways.
‘When I was pregnant, I experienced a significant identity shift internally, mentally and hormonally,’ she says. ‘Self- leadership became a challenge, especially with a three-year-old son. It’s a subject not usually mentioned. It’s about altering mindsets and discussing issues with companions. Rishi and I’ve had to do that. It’s not a simple dialog as a result of not everyone seems to be open to it, however it might make a distinction.
And this is applicable to the office, too.
‘At our observe, open communication is essential. Concerning maternity go away, I make sure that associates really feel supported and their roles are lined throughout their absence. This advantages everybody – from a enterprise and private perspective.
‘We plan for CPD, so that they keep up to date, which helps them keep away from feeling deskilled or undervalued upon returning to work.
‘Maintaining an open space for discussion and being flexible ensures good staff retention. As practice owners, we must respect and value each team member’s contributions, present autonomy, encourage progress and foster a collaborative surroundings.
‘Building a human connection and breaking down hierarchical barriers contribute to a motivated and balanced work environment. And yes, while money is important, creating a supportive, inclusive and balanced workplace is crucial for a happy team, overall efficiency and everyone’s long-term success.’
This text first appeared in Non-public Dentistry journal. To obtain a duplicate, signal as much as Dentistry Membership.
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