At Bupa Dental Care, we believe everyone should feel a sense of belonging and have the opportunity to thrive. By embracing different perspectives and learning from one another, we can create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute, grow and make a meaningful difference.
We spoke with Shivani Birla, one of our dentists at Bupa Dental Care Newbury Pentangle, about her path into dentistry, the influence of her South Asian heritage, and the lessons she’s learned about resilience, wellbeing and belonging. From the importance of family and hard work to creating environments where everyone feels valued, Shivani shares the experiences that continue to shape both her career and personal life.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey into dentistry?
As cliché as it may sound, I’ve wanted to be a dentist since I was a child. Although I questioned my career path during my A-levels, one thing never changed: I knew I wanted a career where I could genuinely help people.
I eventually realised dentistry was exactly that. I took a leap of faith and moved to Prague to study dentistry, which was one of the biggest and most challenging decisions I’ve ever made. Living away from home wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience and independence, and gave me the opportunity to pursue the career I’d always dreamed of.
One achievement I’m particularly proud of from university was becoming the editor of our Public Health book in my final year. Balancing that alongside my finals was incredibly demanding, but looking back, it’s something I’m very proud to have accomplished.
How has your heritage influenced who you are, both professionally and personally?
My parents have had the biggest influence on who I am today. They came to this country with very little and built a life through hard work, sacrifice and determination. Watching them work tirelessly to create opportunities for our family taught me the value of resilience and never taking anything for granted.
They always encouraged me to pursue education because they wanted me to have opportunities they never had themselves. That work ethic has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to shape the way I approach both dentistry and life.
I’m incredibly proud of my South Asian heritage and even more grateful for the values my parents have passed on to me. They remain my biggest role models and continue to inspire me every day.
What lessons have you learnt along the way that have been most valuable?
One phrase I try to live by is: ‘Be confident in execution, but humble in education.’
Dentistry is a profession where learning never stops. Whenever I haven’t felt confident in a particular area, I’ve invested in further education, attended courses and sought guidance from mentors. That continuous learning has given me the confidence to provide the best care I can for my patients.
The other lesson I’d share is not to compare yourself with other people. Everyone’s journey is different. Social media often shows the highlight reel, but real success comes from focusing on your own growth and becoming a little better every day.
How do you balance high performance while maintaining your wellbeing?
Earlier in my career, I treated dentistry like a sprint. I believed success meant saying yes to everything, working longer hours and constantly pushing myself. Over time, I realised that’s simply not sustainable.
Now I see dentistry for what it really is: a marathon. Looking after my wellbeing isn’t separate from being a good clinician; it’s a fundamental part of it. When I take time to rest, exercise, spend time with family and friends, or enjoy hobbies like painting and baking, I return to work feeling more focused, more present and able to give my patients the very best version of myself.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is that slowing down doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. Sometimes it’s exactly what you need to keep moving forward.
What can colleagues do to create a greater sense of belonging for people from different backgrounds?
Belonging starts with making people feel seen, heard and valued. Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures, such as showing a genuine interest in someone’s background, listening to different perspectives, or creating opportunities for everyone to contribute, that make the biggest difference.
Celebrating events like South Asian Heritage Month is important because it allows us to learn from one another and appreciate the different experiences that shape who we are. Diverse teams bring different perspectives, ideas and ways of thinking, and that’s something that ultimately benefits everyone, including our patients.
For me, inclusion is about creating an environment where people feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work and know that their voice matters.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of their career in healthcare or dentistry?
Remember that dentistry is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t compare your journey with someone else’s, especially with what you see on social media. Focus on your own growth, keep learning and trust that consistency will take you where you want to be.
Most importantly, don’t neglect yourself along the way. Build a life where your profession is something you genuinely enjoy, but not your entire identity. Looking after yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s what allows you to care for others for many years to come.
What are you most excited about for the future?
I’m really excited about helping others prioritise their wellbeing, particularly within dentistry. It’s something I’m incredibly passionate about because I know how easy it is to put yourself last in this profession.
Through speaking, writing and sharing my own experiences on social media, I hope to encourage more conversations around wellbeing and burnout. If I can help even one person realise that looking after themselves isn’t selfish but essential, then I’ll feel like I’ve made a positive difference.
