Exhibiting at The Smile Within, showing on the joint stand (H94) of the BDA Benevolent Fund and Bridge2aid at The British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show (NEC Birmingham) on 15th & 16th May during Mental Health Awareness Week.
Jenna Davies is a Swansea‑based dentist and artist whose work celebrates colour, curiosity and kindness.
Graduating from Cardiff University School of Dentistry in 2007, Jenna has spent her career working in general practice across South Wales, always drawn to the creative and artistic elements of dentistry; the precision, problem‑solving and hands‑on activity that sit at its core.
Art has run alongside her clinical work throughout her career, but during the pandemic Jenna found herself returning more fully to painting.
What began as a creative outlet quickly evolved into something larger: a way to support her own mental wellbeing, and a tool to help others, particularly dental teams, explore creativity without pressure or perfectionism.
Today, Jenna balances her week between dentistry and running workshops, bringing art, play and reflection into professional spaces that are often high‑pressure.
Art, Dentistry and Mental Wellbeing
“There’s no doubt that dentistry can be a stressful profession,” Jenna reflects. “Making art has really helped me combat the stress of the day job. Once I’m immersed in a piece of work, my worries dissolve.”
Her practice embraces experimentation, using bold colour, layered textures and mixed materials, allowing ideas to evolve naturally rather than aiming for a fixed outcome.
For Jenna, this process is deeply mindful: a sensory experience shaped by sound, movement and mark‑making that encourages being present.
She is passionate about the belief that art is for everyone, not just those who identify as “creative,” and that making time for creative expression can be transformational for wellbeing.
Featured Artwork: Calm Amongst the Chaos
Minimum bid: £150
1 off limited-edition original artwork
- Spray paint, acrylic paint, acrylic ink and acrylic pen on wood panel
- 55 × 40 × 1.5 cm
- Unframed
Calm Amongst the Chaos began as an experiment. A playful exploration of texture, movement and tools such as scrapers and pipettes, allowing paint to drip, scrape and flow naturally across the surface.
The dynamic background reflects the busyness of daily life, whilst details such as butterflies, a hummingbird and ladybirds gently emerge as focal points, reminding us to pause and notice the beauty around us even in moments of overwhelm.
Look closely, and you may also spot Jenna’s signature hidden stick figures: an invitation to slow down and engage more deeply with the piece.
The rhythmic sounds of scraping against the board and the physical process of mark‑making made the creation of this artwork a grounding, immersive experience.
Featured Artwork: Be Kind
Minimum bid: £30
- Canvas Print of Acrylic Paint
- Unframed
- 20 x 20 x 3cms
The piece titled Be Kind is a tribute to Jenna’s nana, who loved gardening and the small wonders of nature, particularly butterflies and visiting creatures.
Inspired by these memories, the artwork draws together themes of kindness, remembrance, inclusivity and connection.
A sweeping rainbow, created using a wide paintbrush, symbolises inclusion, diversity and hope.
Combined with natural imagery, the piece reflects Jenna’s belief that compassion towards others and ourselves is fundamental to mental wellbeing.
Creativity for Dental Teams
Beyond her own art practice, Jenna runs team‑building workshops designed specifically for dental teams.
These sessions offer a relaxed, supportive environment where participants can step away from clinical perfectionism and explore creativity together.
The workshops:
- Encourage communication and collaboration
- Help teams let go of rigid expectations
- Reduce stress through guided creative play
Each session culminates in a collaborative artwork unique to the practice, providing a lasting reminder of shared experience, creativity and connection, resulting in something to proudly display in the workplace.
Nature, Colour and Balance
Nature plays a central role in Jenna’s inspiration, from gardens and wildlife to the way colour can lift mood and energy.
By consciously creating variety in her working week, combining clinical dentistry with workshops and painting, she has found a sustainable balance that supports both wellbeing and creativity.
Her work in The Smile Within reflects this philosophy: art that is joyful, reflective and rooted in kindness.
More About Jenna
Jenna Davies has two works featured in The Smile Within exhibition and will be attending in person.
You can find out more about her by connecting on social media channels or visiting her website:
🔗 Instagram 🔗 Facebook 🔗 TikTok 🔗 Website
Meet the other Artists
Below is a selection of other featured artists. Click on the links to see their artwork submissions, each deeply connected to mindfulness and mental wellbeing.
Join us at The Smile Within art exhibition in May and make a difference, one pledge, one piece of art, one smile at a time.
We look forward to seeing you there.
The online auction website is now live.
You can bid for artwork online, as well as at the event.
Online bidding ends at 3:45 pm on 16 May. The winning bidder can collect their artwork on Saturday, 16 May, from the stand after 4pm. If you (or a trusted friend) are unable to take your piece with you, we’re happy to arrange delivery. Please note that postage and packaging costs will be added and confirmed after purchase.
