Amir grew up in Pretoria and qualified as a Dentist from Wits Uni in 1998.

He came to London the same year with no plans to stay. Since then he has been continuously horrified by the state of this island’s mouths... (Dare you forget the Simpsons episode of British Smiles Book, check it out on www.youtube.com)

But on a more serious note,

How the hell does one decide to go into dentistry?

Weird as it may seem, I wanted to be a dentist since I was about 8 years old. My dentists, Mr van der Merwe, always gave a treat after each treatment so in the end I loved going to the dentist!  Also I was always into biological-sciences and during my varsity years I learned that the mouth is an extremely specialised and complex facet of one’s general health.

Amir you run a successful dental practice, Poplar Dental in South West London. How did you built up this business?

I worked as an associate for over 10 years and I learned how NOT to treat individual patients and staff. It became my dream to create a welcoming practice which cares for patients and their families. Today I feel the happiest person alive because I treat me patients the way I would want to be treated myself!

What inspires and motivates you as a dentist?

Each patient is unique and I treat them as such. I always feel like I am Magnum PI who needs to solve the mystery behind each and every mouth.  It is fun and challenging, and at the same time I get to know people of different walks of life. It’s a win win situation!

What do you enjoy the most about dentistry?

I love interacting with people! It is a great career with loads of personal time in relating to others.  I also feel elevated to be able to contribute to the wellbeing, confidence and happiness of patients.