We are thrilled to announce that Hira Chaudhry has made history as the first dental student elected to our Board of Trustees. Hira’s extensive experience with the British Dental Student Association (BDSA) and the broader British Dental Association (BDA) committee brings invaluable insights and passion to our organisation.

Championing dental students’ voices

Hira has been a tireless advocate for dental students, striving to ensure that every student has access to the support they need throughout their studies and beyond.

She has lived experience of the challenges facing the dental student community and has written about them as part of her role on the British Dental Journal (BDJ) Student Reader Panel fostering a platform for open discussion and mutual support.

Mental health and community engagement

Trust yourself – This article encourages all dental students to engage actively within their community, normalise conversations around mental health, and seek support when needed. Hira’s commitment to these causes is evident, as she has used her voice to make a difference and urges others to do the same.

Promoting diversity and allyship

How to be an ally – Hira is passionate about diversity within the dental community. She advocates for the importance of being an ally, supporting colleagues, and promoting inclusivity.

“If one dental student reads the article and feels helped, that’s hugely rewarding,” she says. “It’s crucial for people to share their experiences so that others know they’re not alone. Every dental student deserves to feel supported and empowered.”

Personal resilience and advocacy

Hira’s journey has involved personal trials. She lost her father suddenly during dental school. This profound loss has fuelled her drive to ensure all dental students and professionals are aware of, and have access to, the services provided by the BDA Benevolent Fund.

A bright future ahead

Hira is now entering her fifth year of dental school at the University of Glasgow. She highlights the need for increased support during the transition from dental school to clinical practice.

“The leap from dental school to working in the NHS is significant. There’s a gap that needs addressing to better support new graduates.”

She lives in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which is particularly advantageous at this stage in her career, as she still has access to some funding.

“English dental students in Scotland are cut off from funding after fourth year, so students have to apply for NHS bursaries. My fifth year involves vocational training and visiting different dental hospitals in Scotland. We even spend time in outreach working on a remote island to deliver dental care.”

Support for final year students

Laura Hannon, CEO of the BDA Benevolent Fund recognises that this year is a particularly challenging one where students might need to apply to the Charity for financial support.

“The majority of our applications from dental students are from those in their fifth year. Maintenance loans are significantly lower than in previous years of study and although there is the NHS bursary support, this doesn’t match up to fully cover living costs unfortunately.

Where possible we encourage students to become informed and plan for this but also to seek support from the various funding sources available to them such as NHS bursaries and hardship grants and their university’s support services. Our student support page lists the types of financial support that students can access and includes a link for people to apply to us.”

A vision for empowerment

Excited about her fifth year and the increased clinical exposure, Hira is eager to balance this with her governance role at the Charity.

“I’ve been following the Charity’s work for a couple of years now. This was the right time to join as a Trustee and help ensure no dentist goes unsupported. The Charity is multi-dimensional and offers comprehensive support—financial, emotional, and professional.”

Despite her busy schedule, Hira makes time for family, enjoys reading Claire Keegan’s latest novels, and enjoys planning travel adventures.

We are delighted to welcome her to the Board, confident that her dedication and insights will significantly enhance our mission to support the dental community.

Welcome to the Board, Hira!

Find out more about the Board of Trustees and the Governance of the Charity.