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Prince Thomas: What Christmas means to me

Dr Prince Thomas wears many hats in his professional life. As a Speciality Dentist in prosthodontics at the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals Trust, a clinical teacher in restorative dentistry, and a general dental practitioner, Prince’s week is a rich tapestry of roles.

Yet, no matter how diverse his work is, one thing remains constant: his faith. For Prince, Christianity is the cornerstone of his personal and professional life.

Faith as the Foundation

“I see dentistry as a vocation that God has allowed me to do,” Prince shares. “Everything I do is informed by that core value. I start my day praying for my patients and try to express my faith in the way that I live.”

This sense of calling inspires Prince to think beyond his immediate circumstances.

“Faith helps me take the long view. It reminds me that life isn’t just about me—it’s about serving others and making an impact. The Christian Dental Fellowship (CDF) plays a big part in shaping this perspective. It encourages us to think local but act global, inspiring the next generation of dentists.”

Faith in the Workplace

Prince feels comfortable expressing his faith in the workplace, though he doesn’t feel the need for overt displays.

“Faith is expressed in how you live and work. If you approach your job with integrity, compassion, and a mindset to serve Christ, there’s no need for external validation or support. The accountability for my faith lies elsewhere to a higher power.”

He also believes that fostering diversity and inclusivity is about allowing people to be themselves without judgment.

“When people are free to express their beliefs and values authentically, it creates a workplace that respects everyone.”


The Importance of Community

Dentistry, Prince notes, can be an isolating profession, especially when the industry is under pressure. This is where the Christian Dental Fellowship shines.

“The CDF provides a safe space for dental professionals to connect, share their concerns, and pray for one another. It reminds us that we’re not alone. Knowing that someone is praying for you and your profession is incredibly reassuring.”

Prince and his wife, Julie— also a dentist—extend this sense of community by hosting monthly gatherings at their home.

“On the last Tuesday of every month, we open our home to CDF members (and non-members who share its core values). We share a meal, chat, and pray together. It’s been a huge blessing for us and all who attend.

The Meaning of Christmas

For Prince, Christmas and Easter are pivotal moments in the Christian calendar.

“Christmas is a time for reflection. It’s an opportunity to look back on the year and consider how you’ve grown as a person, clinician, and ambassador of Christ. It’s also a time to think about how to do better in the year ahead.”

Prince incorporates this spirit of reflection and generosity into his professional life.

“At Christmastime, I normally encourage my colleagues to think beyond themselves. We get involved in charitable giving, such as donating to food banks or partnering with community organisations to help those less fortunate.”

Growing up in India gave me a different outlook on poverty, wealth and giving. Christmas is a time to think beyond yourself and help others. When you do this, Jesus shines through.”

A Life of Service and Reflection

Whether teaching, practicing, or mentoring, Prince embodies a life of service grounded in faith. His approach to dentistry and life serves as a reminder of the power of community, compassion, and giving. As he reflects on his faith and career, Prince leaves us with a simple but profound message:

“When you think beyond yourself and serve others, you allow the light of Jesus to shine through. That’s what Christmas—and life—is all about.”

You can read about other’s experiences of Christianity and Dentistry in the articles below:

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Dr Austin Banner

Vice-Chairman

  • Trustee since 2010
  • Dental speciality – Retired consultant Orthodontist
  • County – Southern Counties
  • I am a Past President of the BDA Southern Counties Branch with extensive experience in committee, management, teaching, and training.

Dr Peter Crooks

Trustee

  • Trustee since 2020
  • Dental Speciality – General Dental Practitioner
  • County – Antrim, Northern Ireland
  • I am the representative of the Principal Executive Committee of the BDA on the BDA Benevolent Fund Board. I hope to continue and foster the close working relationship between the Charity and the BDA, of whose members are also members of the charity. I’m also a Director and Secretary of a charitable company – CHEERS Youth Centre

Dr Molly Deykin

Trustee

  • Trustee since 2020
  • Dental speciality – General Dental Practitioner
  • County – London
  • I have been involved in student support groups and I was elected British Dental Student Association President. I worked with the Sands Cox Charity when I was the Dental School Society Vice-President. After graduating I was the Foundation Dentist Representative on the BDA Young Dentists Committee.

Dr Allan Franklin

Trustee

  • Trustee since 2003
  • Dental speciality – General Dental Practitioner for 35 years
  • County – Oldham/ Rochdale
  • I am the Chairman of BDA Oldham & Rochdale Section (and previous Secretary). Chairman for the E.Lancs & E Cheshire Branch of BDA in charge of section regeneration. Previous Chairman of British Society for Dental Hypnosis (as it was then) and involved in Local Dental Committees.

Dr Alex Gormley

Trustee

  • Trustee since 2020
  • Dental Speciality – Academic Clinical Fellow at the University of Bristol
  • County – Bristol
  • I have worked in primary dental care and a maxillofacial unit since graduation. I am continuing my dental core training alongside academic training at the University of Bristol. I also serve as the Early Career Representative as an invited board member at the FDS at the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Dr Chris Hayward

Treasurer

  • Trustee since 2013
  • Dental speciality – Associate Specialist in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Lead Clinician Dental Emergency Department Newcastle Dental Hospital, Honorary  Clinical Lecturer Newcastle Dental School
  • County – Newcastle/ Northern Counties
  • I have been active in the BDA at Section, Branch, and National Levels. I was a member of the Rep Board/Body; a former member of the BDA PEC; a Director of International Affairs; and the previous BDA Board.

Dr Philip Henderson

Trustee

  • Trustee since 2006
  • Dental Speciality-Principal Practice Owner and in General Dental Service for 37 years.
  • County – Antrim, Northern Ireland
  • I have been a Church Elder for 34 years with pastoral care responsibility Local Dental Adviser for Dental Protection including attending GDC Hearings and Probity work in NHS Current member “Probing Dental Stress” group in N.I.
  • Past: LDC Chair, N.I.DPC Chair, Northern Ireland Branch BDA President, Director of the BDA’s PEC for two terms

Dr Ros Keeton

Chairman

  • Trustee since 2008
  • Dental Specialty – Leadership and management of Dental Services
  • County – Shropshire
  • I am an experienced NHS Chief Executive and health care leader who combines a dental background with substantial leadership experience. I am also a Chairman of a specialist hospice and EOL charity Compton Care. I am a passionate and committed advocate for dentists in distress.

Dr Stuart Robson

Trustee

  • Trustee since 2006
  • Dental speciality – A General Dental Practitioner
  • County– North Yorkshire
  • Former President of BDA 1999- 2000, previous Vice-Chairman of BDA Council and also Dental Services Committee. On behalf of North Yorkshire LDC, was organiser and lead of the North Yorkshire PASS (Practitioner Advice and Support Scheme) preventing some dentist with problems having dire financial and professional difficulties.

Dr Bill Creedon

Trustee

  • Trustee since 2014
  • Dental speciality – GDP
  • County – Hampshire
  • I have been in general practice for over 20 years as a practice owner in Southampton. The last four years I have been also working at Kings College, London. I am Chair of the BDA’s Wessex branch and Vice Chairman of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight LDC.

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