Molly Deykin works at one of the UKs leading dental groups, Dental Beauty, and was inspired to join the Board in 2020, at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical work was halted, and she wanted to make good use of her time supporting her peers in the dental profession.

The pandemic saw applications rise

“What I’ve learned in my last three years on the Board, is that the Charity is generous and giving with absolutely no judgment at all. It’s all about looking forward and improving situations. I didn’t realise how many different types of people are supported. Anyone could hit financial hardship. It’s why we need to make as many people as possible aware of the Charity, so that should they ever need that bit of support, they know where to turn.”

Molly’s unique perspective

Molly knew about the BDA Benevolent Fund through her membership of the BDA and in her role as the British Dental Student Association President.  After graduating she was also the Foundation Representative on the BDA Young Dentists Committee.

“One thing that struck me as a newly qualified dentist, is no one told you how little money you can make as a dentist. There is never a conversation about not being able to pay bills or struggling with the adjustment of leaving university and going into the real world.”

Molly worked with the BDA committees to explain the challenges for students and young graduates and so joining the Board was a natural progression.

Working with younger audiences

She worked to increase awareness of the Charity amongst a younger demographic and with universities. One such project was the student research exercise to establish how the Charity can best support this group.

Molly has also worked with the Sands Cox Charity, a charity for Birmingham medical and dental graduates, to raise awareness of the charity and bring in young audience members to the charity.

The Co-Chair role

A deciding factor about whether to take up the Chairman’s role was the fact that it was a shared responsibility.

“…not just that it was a shared role, but that I would be sharing the position with Shafaq, who has lots of experience working with refugees and being a public voice. Our skill sets are very different, and we complement one another. Also, having two people share the role gives a more balanced view. There are two perspectives to draw from and it’s exciting to be able to collaborate and work together.”

Outside of work and volunteering

Molly gets the most out of her days and can combine her busy work life with volunteering. She finds activity outside of her clinical practice just as rewarding as work and when she’s enjoying downtime, her go-to fun activities are: lacrosse – playing and coaching under 15s; yoga; walking; baking, and cooking. Her favourite bake is a chicken, bacon and leek pie that can often be found on the family’s Christmas table!