Mehwish Latif

Dental Therapist

Mehwish Latif is a dedicated and highly skilled dental therapist based in ST Albans With a comprehensive background in both clinical practice and advanced dental education, she brings extensive expertise to her work, underpinned by a commitment to patient-centered care. Her journey in the field began with a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery from Lahore Medical & Dental College in Pakistan, followed by an MSc in Advanced General Dental Practice (AGDP) from Ulster University in the UK. This rigorous academic training equipped her with a broad range of competencies, from preventive and restorative treatments to patient management and communication, ensuring a high standard of care for each individual she treats.

Over the course of her career, Mehwish has gained diverse experience working in various healthcare environments. She began her practical training with a house job at Lahore Medical & Dental College, subsequently building her expertise through roles in both private clinics and hospital settings across Pakistan. From Islam Hospital in Sialkot to AWAISIA Dental Clinic, she has handled a wide array of responsibilities, including:

• obtain a detailed dental history from patients and evaluate their medical history
• carry out a clinical examination within their competence
• complete periodontal examination and charting and use indices to screen and monitor periodontal disease
• diagnose and treatment plan within their competence
• prescribe radiographs
• take, process and interpret various film views used in general dental practice
• plan the delivery of care for patients
• give appropriate patient advice
• provide preventive oral care to patients and liaise with dentists over the treatment of caries, periodontal disease and tooth wear
• undertake supragingival and subgingival scaling and root surface debridement using manual and powered instruments
• use appropriate anti-microbial therapy to manage plaque related diseases
• adjust restored surfaces in relation to periodontal treatment
• apply topical treatments and fissure sealants
• give patients advice on how to stop smoking
• take intra and extra-oral photographs
• give infiltration and inferior dental block analgesia
• place temporary dressings and re-cement crowns with temporary cement
• place rubber dam
• take impressions
• care of implants and treatment of peri-implant tissues
• carry out direct restorations on primary and secondary teeth
• carry out pulpotomies on primary teeth
• extract primary teeth
• place pre-formed crowns on primary teeth
• identify anatomical features, recognise abnormalities and interpret common pathology
• carry out oral cancer screening
• if necessary, refer patients to other healthcare professionals

These roles allowed her to hone her technical skills while providing compassionate care to patients of all ages, including children and individuals with special needs.

Mehwish’s clinical skills are complemented by her proficiency in modern dental technology and administrative practices. She is adept at using patient management software and digital record-keeping tools, which facilitate seamless treatment planning and patient follow-ups. Her dedication to keeping up with advancements in dentistry is further reflected in her attendance at numerous workshops on topics such as cross-infection control, endodontics, and implantology. Additionally, she has achieved over 280 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), underscoring her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.

Beyond her technical expertise, Mehwish is known for her warm, empathetic approach. She excels at creating a comforting environment for patients, effectively addressing their concerns and ensuring they feel valued and respected. Her multilingual abilities and strong interpersonal skills allow her to connect with a broad range of individuals, providing reassurance and education to those who may be anxious about dental treatments.

A collaborative team player, Mehwish has consistently worked closely with senior dentists, hygienists, and support staff, ensuring coordinated, high-quality care for her patients. Her professionalism, adaptability, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to any dental practice. Mehwish is excited to continue her career in the UK, contributing her knowledge and enthusiasm to a practice that shares her dedication to outstanding oral healthcare.

In her personal life, Mehwish enjoys photography, surfing the web, watching movies, reading novels, and listening to music, which reflect her curiosity and passion for exploring new perspectives.