Mrs. Ishara Rizwana Hameed (Riz)
​
BDS, MJDF(RCS), MClinDent(Pros KCL), MPros (RCS Ed)
I have had an incredible 22-year journey as a dentist. My career has been driven by a passion for continuous learning and a desire to provide the best care for my patients. I dedicated myself to professional development in my early years, completing around 200-300 hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) each year. This commitment allowed me to hone my skills and embrace the latest advancements in dentistry.
​
To further enhance my knowledge, I pursued a Master's degree at King's College London, a rigorous four-year program that earned me the title of Specialist Prosthodontist on the GDC-UK register. I completed my Master's in 2019 and was excited to take my career to new heights, but like many, I faced unexpected challenges when COVID-19 hit. Nonetheless, I persevered and established SilverOak Dentistry in King's Lynn, Norfolk, with my husband and partner in crime, AJ, where I'm thrilled to provide high-quality dental care to the community.
​
At SilverOak Dentistry, I’ve expanded my expertise in the last two years to include surgical implant placement and Invisalign, allowing me to offer a comprehensive range of dental treatments under one roof. However, since the pandemic, I’ve also discovered a new passion—focusing on the prevention of dental problems rather than just correcting them.
​
I've been surprised to see an increasing number of children requiring extensive dental treatment, a situation highlighted in the BBC Panorama episode concerning the children's health crisis in the UK. It is clear that brushing is a daily habit many do not fully understand. Surprisingly, improper brushing—whether over-brushing or under-brushing—can damage teeth, which contributes to the staggering statistic that 45% of the world's population suffers from some form of oral health issue, most of which are preventable.
​​​
The WHO Global Oral Health Status Report (2022) reveals alarming statistics, indicating that nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide are affected by oral diseases, with millions of children suffering from dental caries. This calls for urgent attention and action.
​
My mission is to spread awareness around the goals of #NoThirdSet and #SaveEveryTooth-as they are expensive to replace!
​
Once they're gone, that's it. That's why I'm passionate about spreading my knowledge and ensuring everyone can benefit. It's more than just a job for me; it's a calling.
​
Realizing the significance of good habits early on, I am particularly devoted to educating children about proper dental care. With adult teeth erupting from ages 6 to 13, learning effective brushing skills can set them up for a lifetime of good oral health. I have started a community called the ' Dental Fitness Network ' where I help parents look after their children's teeth better.
​
I aim to equip families with the knowledge to care for their teeth, starting with children. I’ve attempted to share helpful content through YouTube, but I believe that many still overlook the importance of ‘Dental Fitness.’
I invite you to join me on this journey to inspire and educate families about ‘Dental Fitness’ for their children. Together, we can ensure that healthy teeth lead to a lifetime of confidence, free from the fear of dental visits and the complications that accompany poor oral and general health
​
Thank you for visiting my page. I look forward to sharing my expertise and helping you and your family achieve and maintain excellent dental health!
​
Warm regards
​Riz.
​
​
MEET RIZ!
My dentistry Journey so far...
​If you have time, this is my story of how I decided to become a dentist and where I am now.
​
Me and My Vapachi: Growing up, I was my grandpa's pet (although it seems he made all his grandchildren feel special because my brother also claims to be his favourite, and a few of my other cousins do, too!) Back then, our house was so remote ( we still live there, and in 20 years, only very little has changed!!) that the school bus only took me halfway, so I used to stop at my grandpa's and my dad's office at our steel factory, excited to take an amazing car journey the rest of the way, courtesy of Vapichi ( as I fondly called him)!
The Fateful Crash: Invariably, our drives bloomed with life lessons and stories. My Vapichi's was an incredible rags-to-riches story; he is always my inspiration. On one ride home, however, I was flung against the dashboard of Vapichi's vintage white Ambassador car. Back in the 80s, seatbelts were not commonplace in India. The outcome? Gulp, my front tooth fractured. In India, a front gold crown is a sign of riches and status, and my beloved Vapachi had one and advised that I follow suit. But I hated the idea of a gold tooth. It reminded me of the villain in 'Home Alone'! Moreover, the fractured teeth never bothered the tomboy me at all!!
What I Learned About Patience and Ignorance: I never felt self-conscious about my fractured tooth for years. But in Year 7, I had my first crush, and everything changed. I did my best to hide my tooth with my lips and hands, still dreading the idea of that gold crown. On reflection, my experience served as a sobering reminder that people should not put off dealing with oral problems until they cause discomfort. At long last, I had to schedule an appointment with the dentist, where I was told I needed a root canal.
The Transformative Magic: Something miraculous happened during that appointment. The dentist completed the root canal procedure and, in about 20 minutes, filled my tooth with a basic white material to restore its fullness. I was astounded by the change and was advised to get a dental crown. On that auspicious day, I gained insight into the vast possibilities of dentistry. I realised that I could help people's teeth hurt less and smile brighter. It was a realisation that changed my life.
​
A Lifetime Passion: I discovered then and there that dentistry was my true calling. I vowed to myself that I would one day be a brilliant dentist and help people through similar miraculous transformations.
​
The Adventure Starts: I finished my dental school in 2002 at Yenepoya Dental College in Mangalore, India, and dove headfirst into the field. Amazingly, my dental school class of 1997 embarked on its exciting journey twenty-five years ago, and in July 2022, we celebrated our 25th reunion, commemorating this momentous occasion.
From India to the UK: I moved to the UK in 2005 with my spouse AJ, who is also my dental school sweetheart (yep, we've known each other for 25 years!). We gained valuable experience in the UK during our early years in the profession, working for the National Health Service (NHS) and in private practices as general dentists for a long and fruitful time.
A Specialist's Journey: As time passed, I sought new challenges beyond routine dental procedures. Therefore, when 2014 came around, I embarked on a transformative journey at King's College London, where I pursued a four-year master's degree. Today, I am honoured to hold the title of Specialist Prosthodontist on the UK General Dental Council (GDC) register. As fate would have it, I happened to be the lucky number 444 to join the register, a coincidence mirrored by my roll number in dental college.
​​
Evidence-based Dentistry: My passion for dentistry expands to in-depth research and knowledge. My university thesis focused on 'The combined effects of attrition and erosion on tooth enamel', delving into two of the most prevalent causes of tooth wear. I can talk about these topics for hours and love sharing my expertise. Most valuably, however, this paved the way for me to follow evidence-based dentistry with passion.
​​
Meaningful Work: I am a prosthodontist who specialises in tooth replacement. I find great fulfilment in this work, both in my complex tasks and in the unconditional love and support I receive from my patients after their transformative journey, which usually spans months.
​
Silveroak Dentistry: My hubby and I took over a 25-year-old private practice in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, and renamed it Silveroak Dentistry. The patients at our practice are the most remarkable I've encountered throughout my time working in the UK. Their warmth and compassion enhance every visit, making coming to work a genuine delight.
​
Embracing Wisdom: People in their twilight years have remarkable stories to tell, and I get the privilege of hearing them regularly in my practice. Interspersed with consultations, I sometimes fight back tears as I listen to these incredible stories, emotions of delight and empathy. I also fondly remember my Vapichi and his own life tales.
Enjoying a Challenge: Every day at Silveroak is a new experience. Patients come to us with a broad range of dental problems, including self-consciousness about their smile, pain from a toothache, or a broken front tooth that has occurred just before their wedding day! My artistic and time management abilities are sometimes challenged by these tasks, especially with my Adult ADHD issues!
​
An Outstanding Group: A dream team is the driving force behind every thriving practice. Silveroak Dentistry has the ideal crew for me: professional, kind, and quick to get the job done. They add to the outstanding care we give and make our days better every day. So, I want to give a sincere "thank you" to the wonderful people who work at Silveroak Dentistry; they're why our office is a gathering spot for people to exchange tales and smiles.
​
What's Ahead: I am looking forward to spreading the most valuable information on #No Third Set and # Save EveryTooth and helping everyone, most importantly children, preserve their teeth for a lifetime with my Youtube /Insta channels.
​
​
I appreciate your involvement in my dental journey. Together, let's keep making people happy and building important relationships.​
​
​
​
​
MORE ABOUT ME...
​
I have dedicated twenty years of my life to being a dentist, and my enthusiasm for teeth has never wavered. Allow me to tell you about my goal and my commitment:
A Lasting Enthusiasm: Teeth, in my opinion, are an awe-inspiring example of nature's flawless design. I am astounded by their vibrant colour, formidable strength, practicality, and extraordinary capacity for repair. Despite our best efforts, no synthetic substance or method has yet been able to match the inherent beauty of a tooth.
Advocate for Dental Awareness: A third set of teeth does not exist. This is why I strive to raise awareness about the need for oral care. There are several costs associated with tooth loss, including monetary, emotional, physical, functional, physiological, and psychological impacts.
Start Early: For your permanent teeth to come in healthy and strong, you must take special care of your baby teeth and, most importantly, of your adult teeth. Remember, it's more beneficial to prevent problems than to treat them. Most dental problems are preventable and I shall strive to spread that knowledge.
​
​The Dependable Dentist: My practice serves patients in the Norfolk/Cambridgeshire region who are interested in achieving their ideal dental health or a beautiful smile. To schedule a consultation with me, please contact Silveroak Dentistry's treatment care coordinator or reception staff.
Teeth serve an essential purpose and contribute significantly to our identity. Let's collaborate so that your smile can continue to provide you with joy and self-assurance for the rest of your life.
​
Best wishes,
Riz