Mrs. Ishara Rizwana Hameed (Riz)
Specialist Prosthodontist | Diamond Invisalign Provider | Founder of Riz Dentopedia
10 Questions to Get to Know Dr. Riz
The person behind Riz Dentopedia, #NoThirdSet and a lifelong passion for helping people keep their natural teeth.
-
If you're a specialist in replacing missing teeth... why is your biggest passion helping people keep them?
People often smile when I tell them this.
Yes, I'm a UK-registered Specialist Prosthodontist. I spend much of my working life replacing missing teeth, rebuilding damaged smiles and helping people regain their confidence.
But after more than 23 years in dentistry, I've realised something that changed the way I see my profession.
The best tooth to replace... is the one you never lose.
Every week I meet patients who say the same thing:
"I wish someone had explained this to me years ago."
Many of the problems I treat today could have been prevented with the right knowledge, the right habits and the right guidance.
That's why I created Riz Dentopedia.
My mission isn't simply to provide treatment—it's to help people understand how to protect their teeth, make informed decisions and keep their natural smile for as long as possible.
That philosophy is the reason behind my #NoThirdSet mission.
Because once your adult teeth are gone, there isn't another set waiting to replace them.
2. So... who is Dr. Riz?
I'm a wife, mum, educator, lifelong learner and someone who genuinely loves dentistry.
I qualified as a dentist over 23 years ago and, like many young dentists, I was fascinated by learning. In my early career, I regularly completed 200–300 hours of continuing professional development every year because I wanted to become the best dentist I could be for my patients.
That passion for learning eventually led me to King's College London, where I completed a four-year Master's degree in Prosthodontics and joined the UK Specialist Register.
Today, I practise at Silver Oak Dentistry, our family-owned practice in King's Lynn, Norfolk, which I co-own with my husband AJ—my dental school sweetheart, best friend and partner in crime.
Together, we've built a practice around one simple belief:
Treat every patient as if they were a member of our own family.
3. What do you enjoy most about dentistry?
Helping people gain their confidence and smile again without thinking.
Sometimes that's replacing missing teeth.
Sometimes it's Invisalign.
Sometimes it's rebuilding worn teeth.
Sometimes a clean to remove stains, and if needed some whitening is all that is required
But before any cosmetic treatment begins, my first priority is always the same:
Healthy teeth. Healthy gums. Healthy foundations.
A beautiful smile should never come at the expense of a healthy mouth.
4. What makes your approach different?
I believe patients deserve to understand why they're having treatment—not just what treatment they're having.
Dentistry can be confusing.
There are countless opinions online, social media trends, quick fixes and miracle products.
My job is to cut through the noise.
Everything I teach is based on the best available evidence, my clinical experience and what I would honestly recommend if you were sitting in my chair.
No gimmicks.
No unnecessary treatment.
Just honest advice.
5. Why did you create Riz Dentopedia?
Because there simply isn't enough time during a dental appointment to teach everything patients need to know.
People leave with questions like:
"Which toothbrush should I buy?"
"Is whitening safe?"
"Do I really need to floss?"
"Can I trust what I saw on TikTok?"
Riz Dentopedia is where I answer those questions.
Through videos, articles, real patient stories, myth-busting content and free resources, I want to make dentistry easier to understand for everyone.
Knowledge gives people confidence.
Confident patients make better decisions.
6. Why are you so passionate about children and prevention?
Because prevention starts long before the first filling.
Children only get one chance to develop good brushing habits and a healthy relationship with dentistry.
That's why I created The Dental Fitness Network and free resources like The Little Brushers Guide—to help parents build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
If we can help children grow up with healthy teeth, fewer adults will need the kind of complex dentistry I provide today.
That would be my greatest success.
7. Has your philosophy changed after 23 years as a dentist?
More than I ever expected.
When I first became a dentist, I thought my job was to fix teeth.
Over the years, I've realised my real job is helping people keep them.
Yes, I can replace missing teeth.
Yes, I can rebuild smiles.
Yes, I can straighten teeth and improve confidence.
But the greatest compliment a patient can give me isn't, "My smile looks amazing."
It's...
"I still have my own teeth because of the advice you gave me."
That's why education has become such an important part of my career.
If I can help someone avoid needing the treatment I provide every day, then I've done my job well.
After all...
The best tooth to replace is the one you never lose.
8. What would you tell someone nervous about visiting the dentist?
You're not alone.
Dental anxiety is incredibly common, and many of the patients I see haven't visited a dentist for years because of fear, embarrassment or a previous bad experience.
My advice is simple:
Please don't wait until you're in pain.
You will never be judged for the condition of your teeth.
My job isn't to criticise you—it's to help you. When I talk about the poor brushing, I PROMISE I ONLY HAVE YOUR BEST INTEREST AT HEART. GOOD BRUSHING PREVENTS A LOT OF PROBLEMS.
Every healthy smile starts with one appointment, one conversation and one small step forward.
9. If you could give everyone just one piece of dental advice, what would it be?
Never underestimate the value of your natural teeth.
Once they're gone, replacing them is possible—but it's never as simple, affordable or predictable as keeping them healthy in the first place.
That's why I encourage everyone to think about their oral health in the same way they think about their fitness.
Small habits, repeated every day, make an enormous difference over a lifetime.
-
Brush well.
-
Clean between your teeth.
-
Choose food and drinks wisely.
-
Visit your dentist regularly.
And remember...
The best tooth to replace is the one you never lose.
10. What do you hope people take away from Riz Dentopedia?
I hope people leave feeling informed, reassured and empowered.
Whether you're trying to improve your smile, understand a treatment or simply keep your teeth healthy for life, I want this website to become a place you can trust.
Because dentistry isn't just about fixing teeth.
It's about helping people smile with confidence, eat comfortably, stay healthy and enjoy a better quality of life.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me.
I hope you'll join me on the journey to keep your natural teeth for life.
Again, I remind you... the best tooth to replace is the one you never lose.
Riz
BDS, MJDF(RCS), MClinDent(Pros KCL), MPros (RCS Ed)
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