This contribution to The Smile Within is a deeply personal one. It comes from Thomas Ulahannan, in honour of his late brother John Ulahannan, a dentist, BDA Benevolent Fund Trustee, writer, artist, and the person who had the original vision to create the Smile Within exhibition.
John believed profoundly in the power of creativity to support mental wellbeing within the dental profession. Having once been a recipient of the BDA Benevolent Fund’s support, he was committed to giving back with compassion, integrity, and imagination.
The Smile Within was an idea he was developing at the time of his death: one that sought to bring together art, mental health awareness, and community. Through this exhibition, the Charity and John’s family have ensured that his vision lives on.
From Poetry to Image: A Family Collaboration
Thomas Ulahannan is a consultant endocrinologist, author, and brother of John. Following John’s sudden death in November 2024, a collection of his poems was discovered among his belongings.
Written during the final years of his life, these poems revealed an extraordinary inner world: thoughtful, vulnerable, compassionate, and searching. Thomas, together with his son Arun Ulahannan (Assistant Professor of Engineering at the University of Coventry), decided to transform these poems into a visual piece. They commissioned an artist to interpret John’s words and use the poems themselves as artworks.
“This is not just an exhibition of images,” Thomas explains. “It is a conversation across time between a poet, his family, and an artist responding to his voice.”
Artwork: His Beating Wings
In Memory of John Ulahannan
Not for sale
This is a unique, commissioned original artwork inspired by John Ulahannan’s poem ’His Beating Wings’. The piece has been created by Charlotte Wallis, a local artist in Birmingham It translates Johnny’s words into visual form. It is an image of resilience, protection, and quiet optimism.
Featured Artwork: His Beating Wings
Minimum bid: £35
- A4
- Framed
The artwork has such significance, both as a memorial and as a moment of witnessing, hope, and celebration to share during Mental Health Awareness Week.
Featured Artwork: A Tale of Two Fields
Minimum bid: £35
- A4
- Framed
This is a meditation on growth, worth and belonging. It makes us question what is nurtured and what is neglected, and how compassion transforms both.
Featured Artwork: Her Name Was Grief
Minimum bid: £35
- A4
- Framed
This piece serves as a powerful distillation of emotional truth and the passing phases of grief.
A fourth framed piece provides context, explaining the origins of the poems, their discovery, and the intention behind their exhibition.
A Quiet Tension, Made Visible
In the context of The Smile Within, these works speak to something central to life in dentistry: the tension between the composed exterior often required at work and the emotional reality within.
John lived with significant mental health challenges while continuing to give generously of himself to patients, colleagues, charities, and the wider dental community. His poems articulate what is so often left unsaid: loneliness, fragility, endurance, and the quiet desire to be seen.
“Johnny didn’t share his thoughts and struggles choosing instead to enjoy moments with family. I believe he used art and poetry to reconcile his feelings.” explained Thomas. “This has been an enlightening journey of discovery for the family that has unfolded since his passing and through conversations with his colleagues and friends.”
A Legacy of Compassion and Service
John Ulahannan graduated from the University of Manchester in 1997 and devoted over 25 years to dentistry across general, community and hospital settings.
He worked extensively with underserved populations and contributed to national public health research through the Adult Oral Health Survey.
Beyond dentistry, John earned a Master’s degree in the History of Art from SOAS, curated exhibitions, developed a productivity app (Quart), and co‑authored a series on the history of the BDA Benevolent Fund in the British Dental Journal.
Fluent in multiple languages and deeply connected to his heritage, John brought warmth, intellect and humanity to everything he did.
Gratitude, Remembrance, Continuation
This contribution is both an act of remembrance and an expression of gratitude to the dental community John cared so deeply about, and to the BDA Benevolent Fund whose mission he championed.
By bringing John’s words into this shared space, Thomas and Arun ensure that his voice continues to be heard, offering connection, empathy, and hope to others who may be walking similar paths.
“I think Johnny would be hugely proud to see his community talk about mental health and have conversations about how art can support their wellbeing.” said Thomas.
Thomas and Arun will be attending the exhibition on Saturday, 16th May, at the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show.
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.
An online bidding site is now live. You can bid on 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.
