From Dentistry to Aesthetics: A Journey of Vision and Passion

A multi-award-winning advanced non-surgical facial and dental surgeon, Dr. Sarita Sharma, bravely transitioned from a successful dental career to exclusively practicing facial aesthetics, marking a significant shift in professional focus. Initially trained and practicing as a dentist, Dr. Sharma recognized a growing need and personal passion for non-surgical aesthetic procedures. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, including 20 years in facial aesthetics and the last decade dedicated solely to this field, her transition was a bold and visionary move. This extensive background in both general and cosmetic dentistry provided a solid foundation for mastering advanced aesthetic techniques.

With over two decades of experience in dentistry and facial aesthetics, could you share with us what initially drew you to this field and how your journey has evolved over the years?

My journey into dentistry and facial aesthetics has been a fulfilling and rewarding one, shaped by a passion for helping others look and feel their best.

I was initially drawn to dentistry because of its unique blend of artistry, science, and patient care. Having had frequent visits to the dentist as a child, I was exposed to the environment and wanted to learn how I could acquire this skill set. I also enjoyed my sciences at school and in particular, the human biology aspect. I wished to pursue a career that could provide me with a work life balance to which led to my decision in pursuing a career in dentistry. I was also fascinated by the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives through smile transformations. As I delved deeper into the field, I became increasingly intrigued by the intersection of dental aesthetics and facial harmony. The confidence shift I witnessed in improving peoples’ teeth and smiles raised a desire in me to be able to provide this more with a full-face approach too. I was informed constantly about the unhappiness felt by my patients with certain facial features or skin concerns, and I wished to know how I could help them further.

This curiosity led me to pursue further training and education in facial aesthetics, where I discovered a newfound passion for enhancing natural beauty and restoring confidence through non-surgical treatments using minimally invasive techniques to subtly enhance features and restore youthful vitality and overall facial harmony and balance.

Having a deep understanding of facial anatomy as a dentist greatly contributes to my success as a facial aesthetics practitioner in several ways. Firstly, it allows me to approach aesthetic treatments with a thorough understanding of the underlying structures of the face, including muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. This knowledge helps me to accurately assess patients’ facial features, identify areas of concern, and develop tailored treatment plans that are both safe and effective.

Secondly, my background in dentistry provides me with a unique perspective on facial aesthetics, as I am trained to consider not only the appearance of the soft tissues but also the balance and harmony of the entire facial structure. This comprehensive approach enables me to achieve natural-looking results that enhance patients’ overall facial aesthetics while preserving their individuality.

Additionally, my familiarity with dental procedures and techniques gives me a strong foundation in clinical skills, having a steady hand used to holding needles and instruments all day long, infection control, and patient management, which are essential for delivering high-quality aesthetic treatments. I am also accustomed to working in a precise and detail-oriented manner, which is crucial for performing delicate procedures such as injectables.

Overall, my expertise in facial anatomy as a dentist enhances my ability to provide exceptional care to my patients in the field of facial aesthetics. It allows me to combine my knowledge of anatomy, clinical skills, and artistic vision to deliver safe, personalized, and aesthetically pleasing outcomes that meet the unique needs and goals of each individual patient.

Over the years, my journey has been shaped by a commitment to continuous learning and growth. I have sought out advanced training and certifications in both facial aesthetics, allowing me to expand my skill set and offer my patients a comprehensive range of treatments. I’ve embraced new technologies, techniques, and advancements in the field and have had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the transformative impact that aesthetic treatments can have on my patients’ lives, from boosting self-esteem to improving overall quality of life. My goal has always been to provide personalized care that meets the unique needs and desires of each patient.

Being able to successfully address the skin concerns at a muscular or deeper skin layer, introducing a topical skincare brand into my services was an inevitable step so that I could help the surface layers of the skin too. Having had acne as a child, my desire to helping such skin concerns was deep rooted and evoked this further passion with me. This led me to learn from, in my opinion, the godfather of skincare, dermatologist Dr Zein Obagi. After completion of the training, I was able to offer these prescriptive medical products in the clinic and went on to becoming one of the first certified ZO skincare experts in the UK in 2020, helping more people even more effectively with skin concerns such as pigmentation, rosacea (redness), acne, sensitivity, anti ageing and much more.

Looking ahead, my journey continues to evolve as I remain committed to staying at the forefront of innovation and providing the highest standard of care to my patients at Essex Sanctuary. My passion for helping others look and feel their best remains as strong as ever, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients every day.

Your business, Essex Sanctuary, has received numerous awards and accolades, including being named the Most Trusted Skin Clinic in Essex for three consecutive years. What do you believe sets your clinic apart and contributes to this level of trust and recognition?

I attribute my recognition as the Most Trusted Skin Clinic in Essex for three consecutive years to several key factors that sets me apart and contribute to this level of trust. These are:

Commitment to Excellence: I am deeply committed to delivering excellence in everything I do, from the quality of my treatments, the reputable and safe prescriptive products that I use, to the level of care and service I provide. I endeavour to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and patient safety, earning the trust and confidence of my patients.

Patient-Centred Personalised Approach: My patients are at the heart of everything I do. I understand that every patient is unique, with individual concerns, goals, and preferences -I prioritize their needs, concerns, and goals, taking the time to listen attentively, involving them in the decision-making process, and develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and preferences. By placing a strong emphasis on patient satisfaction and well-being, I build lasting relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.

Transparency and Integrity: I believe in transparency and honesty in all aspects of my practice. From discussing treatment options and expected outcomes to providing clear pricing and informed consent, I strive to ensure that my patients feel fully informed and confident in their decisions. By fostering an environment of trust and transparency, I create a sense of security and peace of mind for my patients.

Expertise and Experience: I stay abreast of the latest advancements and techniques in the field of skin care and aesthetics. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative approaches, I can offer my patients the most effective and advanced treatments available, ensuring optimal results with safety. With decades of combined experience, I have a deep understanding of the latest techniques, treatments, and technologies, allowing me to deliver exceptional results with safety and precision.

Exceptional Patient Experience: I go above and beyond to create a positive and memorable experience for my patients at every touchpoint of their journey with me. From the moment they enter my clinic to their post-treatment follow-up, I strive to exceed their expectations and make them feel valued, respected, and well-cared for. By providing exceptional service and personalized attention, I foster a sense of trust and loyalty among our patients.

Commitment to Safety and Quality: Patient safety and satisfaction are my top priorities at Essex Sanctuary. I adhere to strict safety protocols and guidelines to ensure that every procedure is performed with the utmost care and attention to detail. Additionally, I use only the highest quality products and equipment, backed by scientific research and clinical evidence, to achieve safe and effective results.

Overall, it is my unwavering commitment to excellence, patient-centred care, safety, transparency, and exceptional patient experience that sets me apart in my business Essex Sanctuary and earns me the trust and recognition of my community. I am honoured to be recognized as the Most Trusted Skin Clinic in Essex for 3 consecutive years, and I remain dedicated to upholding this reputation and continuing to exceed the expectations of my patients, remaining dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care with integrity and professionalism.

You’ve mentioned providing treatments for a wide range of concerns, from facial aesthetics to pain relief for migraines and teeth grinding. Can you elaborate on how these treatments work and the impact they have on your patients’ lives?

In my practice, yes I offer a variety of treatments that target both aesthetic and therapeutic concerns, tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient.

For facial aesthetics, I use advanced techniques such as injectables, which include Botox and dermal fillers, to smooth wrinkles, restore facial volume, and enhance overall facial harmony. These treatments not only improve appearance but also help boost self-confidence, allowing patients to feel more comfortable and happy with their appearance.

In addition to aesthetic treatments, I also provide therapeutic solutions for conditions like migraines and teeth grinding (bruxism). For migraines, treatments such as Botox injections can help by relaxing the muscles involved in headache formation, offering significant relief for patients who suffer from chronic migraines. Similarly, Botox can also be used for teeth grinding by targeting the jaw muscles, alleviating discomfort and reducing the risk of tooth damage, all of which lead to a better quality of life.

Overall, these treatments have a profound impact on my patients’ well-being, improving both their physical comfort and their emotional confidence. By addressing a variety of concerns, I aim to enhance their overall life experience, ensuring they feel their best, both inside and out and alleviate any pain.

Mentoring other medical professionals and serving as an examiner for facial aesthetic presentation cases at the Royal College of Surgeons is quite prestigious. How has your involvement in education and examination shaped your approach to your own practice?

My involvement in education and examination has enriched my practice at Essex Sanctuary, shaping my approach to patient care, professional development, and practice management. It has reinforced my commitment to excellence, lifelong learning, attention to detail, patient-centred care, ensuring that I can continue to provide my patients with the highest quality care and exceptional outcomes. It has instilled in me a commitment to continuous improvement, evidence-based practice, attention to detail, patient focussed care, and professional integrity, all of which contribute to the high-quality care that I provide to my patients at Essex Sanctuary. 

It has had a profound impact in the following ways:

Commitment to Excellence: Serving as a mentor and examiner has reinforced my commitment to excellence in every aspect of my practice. It has encouraged me to continually strive for the highest standards of professionalism, skill, and ethical conduct, both in my own work and in guiding others in their professional development. 

Lifelong Learning: Being involved in education and examination has instilled in me a mindset of continuous improvement. As a mentor, I am constantly seeking new ways to refine my own skills and knowledge while guiding others in their professional growth. This commitment to ongoing learning and development directly benefits my practice by ensuring that I am always striving to provide the best possible care for my patients.

Evidence-Based Practice: Education and examination require a thorough understanding of current research and best practices in the field. This emphasis on evidence-based practice has shaped my approach to patient care, inspiring me to prioritize treatments and techniques that are supported by scientific evidence and clinical experience. By staying informed about the latest research and advancements, I can offer my patients treatments that are safe, effective, and backed by data.

Attention to Detail: As an examiner, I have developed a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the importance of precision and meticulousness in aesthetic procedures. This attention to detail informs every aspect of my practice, from treatment planning and execution to post-procedure care, ensuring that my patients receive the highest quality care and optimal outcomes. As an examiner, I have learned to scrutinize every aspect of a procedure or presentation, paying close attention to detail and precision. This meticulous approach has carried over into my own practice, where I strive to achieve the highest level of accuracy and quality in every treatment I perform. Whether it’s administering injectables or performing other non surgical procedures, I approach each task with a focus on achieving optimal results for my patients.

Patient-Centred Care: I can ensure that their treatment experience is personalized, respectful, and empowering. My experience in education and examination has reinforced the importance of putting the needs and preferences of my patients first. I understand that each patient is unique, with their own concerns, goals, and expectations. By taking the time to listen to my patients and understand their individual needs, I can tailor my approach to care to ensure that they receive personalized treatment that aligns with their goals and values.

Professional Integrity: Serving as an examiner requires a high level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct. This experience has reinforced the importance of upholding these values in my own practice. I am committed to providing honest, transparent, and ethical care to all of my patients, and I hold myself to the highest standards of professionalism in every aspect of my work.

Being recognized as a ZO Skincare Expert and achieving platinum status with Save Face reflect your commitment to excellence and safety in your field. Can you tell us more about the importance of ongoing education and accreditation in facial aesthetics?

In my opinion, ongoing education and accreditation are essential for practitioners to maintain excellence and safety in facial aesthetics. By staying updated with advancements, maintaining high standards of practice, improving clinical skills, enhancing patient trust, and adapting to changing patient needs, practitioners can provide the highest quality care and achieve successful outcomes for their patients. By staying informed, maintaining high standards of practice, and demonstrating a commitment to excellence and safety, practitioners can provide their patients with the highest quality care and achieve successful outcomes.

Ongoing education and accreditation are paramount in the field of facial aesthetics for several important reasons:

Keeping Pace with Advancements: The field of facial aesthetics is constantly evolving, with new techniques, technologies, and products emerging regularly. Ongoing education ensures that practitioners stay informed about the latest advancements and trends, allowing them to provide their patients with the most up-to-date and effective treatments available. By staying informed, practitioners can deliver better results and enhance patient satisfaction.

Maintaining Standards of Practice -Ensuring Safety and Efficacy: Accreditation programs, such as those offered by Save Face, set rigorous standards for patient safety, quality of care, and ethical practice. By achieving accreditation and maintaining ongoing education, practitioners demonstrate their commitment to upholding these standards and maintain consistency and integrity within the industry, ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and ethical care.

Enhancing Clinical Skills: Continuing education programs provide practitioners with opportunities to enhance their clinical skills and expertise through hands-on training, workshops, and seminars. These programs allow practitioners to refine their techniques, enhance their expertise, learn new procedures, and expand their knowledge base, ultimately improving the quality of care they provide to their patients and hence patient outcomes.

Enhancing Trust with Patients: Patients value practitioners who demonstrate a commitment to ongoing education and accreditation, as it provides reassurance that they are receiving care from a qualified and competent provider. Achieving recognition as a ZO Skincare Expert or attaining platinum status with Save Face demonstrates my dedication to excellence and safety. This builds trust and confidence with patients, leading to stronger patient-provider relationships and improved patient satisfaction.

Adapting to Changing Patient Needs: As patient preferences and expectations evolve, practitioners must adapt their skills and offerings accordingly. Ongoing education provides practitioners with insights into emerging trends and patient preferences, allowing them to tailor their services to meet changing patient needs. 

Safety is a paramount aspect in facial aesthetics, especially since the industry is unfortunately unregulated meaning that there are short courses available for non medical traders to attend and then start practicing on the public. It took me 5 years of dental school to specialise in the head and neck. I have completed numerous post graduate anatomy courses to delve into the depths of anatomy even further to ensure that treatments are performed in the safest manner. The head and neck is full of blood vessels, nerves, muscles, ligaments and other important anatomical structures that should be considered when performing injectable treatments in particular to avoid the risk of complications. Over the years I have had to manage these complications suffered in the hands of non-medically trained practitioners. 

Prioritizing safety minimizes the risks of complications, infections, and adverse reactions, which can have significant health implications and impact the final aesthetic outcomes. Moreover, maintaining rigorous safety standards fosters trust between practitioners and patients, promoting a positive experience and ensuring that ethical and professional guidelines are adhered to. By emphasizing safety, practitioners can achieve optimal results while safeguarding their patients’ health and well-being, making it a foundational principle in the practice of facial aesthetics. The Save Face register of approved medical aesthetic practitioners vets the practitioners on their register and ensures that all standards of safety under government guidelines are adhered to. It is pleasing to know that the public are becoming more conscious of this and seeking out practitioners on this register. I have achieved platinum status through dedication, hierarchy of training and the results demonstrated in my practice.

You’ve been featured in various media outlets, including the BBC News, and received awards such as Businesswoman of the Year. How do you balance the demands of running a successful clinic with these external commitments?

I’m truly grateful to win these accolades. Being committed to the streamlined management of running my clinic and having the opportunity to make the decisions to working in clinic when I choose to, helps me to spend time in other areas of interest. This is how I designed my business initially to ensure that I remain a hands on mum and since my children are older now having more independence, I can choose to spend and focus my time with other interests. I prioritize tasks and allocate time wisely to ensure that both my clinic responsibilities and external commitments receive the attention they deserve. 

I block out dedicated time in my schedule for both clinic-related tasks and external commitments, ensuring that I allocate sufficient time and attention to each. This helps prevent distractions and allows me to focus fully on the task at hand, whether it’s seeing patients, participating in media interviews, or attendance at events.

Equally I ensure that adequate time is dedicated to myself and my family. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for sustaining long-term success and fulfilment. I prioritize self-care practices such as regular exercise, mindfulness, and time spent with loved ones to recharge and rejuvenate. By taking care of my physical, emotional, and mental well-being, I ensure that I have the energy and resilience to effectively manage the demands of running a successful clinic and fulfilling external commitments.

Your passion for improving people’s self-esteem and confidence shines through in your work. Can you share a particularly rewarding patient success story that stands out to you?

I have many but one rewarding patient success that stands out particularly which moved me both at the consultation and after treatments involved a woman who came to me at Essex Sanctuary feeling insecure and self-conscious about her appearance. She had been struggling with deep lines and wrinkles on her face, which made her feel older than her age and eroded her confidence in social and professional settings. Her skin appeared much older and looser one on side of her face in particular which rushed up further when she brushed her teeth. She had felt that she had ‘suddenly’ noticed these changes in her skin that knocked her confidence. It resulted in her refraining in looking the mirror, having photos taken and felt so down that she had stopped meeting her friends and family in person. She felt very embarrassed and was extremely emotional at the consultation apologising to me. I felt very emotional hearing her story and the limitations she was enduring.

After discussing her concerns and goals during a consultation, we developed a personalized treatment plan that included a combination of injections and skinbooster treatments to smooth out her wrinkles, restore volume to her face and tighten her skin. Throughout the treatment process, I  provided her with compassionate care, answering her questions and addressing any concerns to ensure her comfort and satisfaction in a safe, nurturing environment.

Over the following weeks and months, I had the pleasure of witnessing a remarkable transformation in this patient’s confidence and self-esteem. As the lines and wrinkles softened and her facial contours became more youthful and refreshed, she began to radiate confidence from within. She no longer felt self-conscious about her appearance but instead embraced her newfound vitality and beauty.

What was most rewarding for me was seeing the positive impact that these aesthetic treatments had on this patient’s life beyond just the physical changes. She shared with me how she felt more confident in social settings, more assertive in her professional life, and more comfortable in her own skin overall. It was incredibly gratifying to know that I had played a part in helping her regain her self-esteem and reclaim her joy in life. She had gone from tears of sadness to tears of joy. These feelings that she had reclaimed were so rewarding for both of us.

This patient’s success story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of aesthetic treatments in restoring confidence and enhancing quality of life. It reaffirms my passion for helping people look and feel their best, and it motivates me to continue providing personalized care and support to all of my patients at Essex Sanctuary.

For aspiring professionals looking to enter the field of facial aesthetics, what advice would you offer based on your own experiences and journey?

I would offer the following advice based on my own experiences and journey:

Build a Strong Foundation: Prioritize building a strong foundation of knowledge in facial anatomy, physiology, and the science behind aesthetic treatments. Understanding the underlying principles will not only enhance your technical skills but also enable you to provide tailored and effective treatments for your patients.

Invest in Education and Training: Pursue formal education and specialized training programs in facial aesthetics to build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills with reputable CPD approved medical professionals. Seek out reputable institutions and industry experts who can provide comprehensive training in techniques such as injectables, dermal fillers, and advanced skincare treatments with hands-on training.

Gain Hands-On Experience: Seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience through mentorship programs. Practice under the guidance of experienced practitioners to refine your skills and develop confidence in performing aesthetic procedures. Mentors can provide invaluable insights, guidance, and support as you navigate your career path and develop your skills as a practitioner.

Stay Updated with Trends and Technologies: Stay abreast of the latest trends, advancements, and technologies in facial aesthetics by attending conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses both online and offline. Embrace lifelong learning and seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and expertise in emerging treatments and techniques. Embrace innovation and stay open to incorporating new techniques, technologies, and treatments into your practice. By staying ahead of the curve, you can offer your patients the latest advancements and deliver cutting-edge solutions for their aesthetic concerns.

Develop Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is key in the field of facial aesthetics, as it involves understanding patients’ aesthetic goals, addressing their concerns, and managing expectations. Develop strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with patients to ensure a positive and trusting patient-provider relationship. Develop strong communication skills to ensure clear and open dialogue with your patients throughout their treatment journey. My training in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) has certainly accelerated this skill.

Prioritize Patient Safety and Ethics: Prioritize patient safety, well-being, and ethical practice in all aspects of your work. Adhere to professional standards and guidelines, obtain informed consent from patients, and prioritize their best interests in treatment planning and decision-making. Accordingly join professional standard organisations and insurance bodies.

Build a Professional Network: Build a professional network of colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts who can provide guidance, support, and opportunities for collaboration. Networking allows you to stay connected with peers, exchange ideas, and access resources that can enhance your professional development.

Embrace Entrepreneurship: Consider the business aspects of facial aesthetics and embrace entrepreneurship as you build your career in the field. Develop a strategic business plan, cultivate a strong brand identity, and leverage marketing and promotional strategies to attract and retain patients.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Approach your career in facial aesthetics with a growth mindset, embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Stay adaptable, resilient, and open to feedback as you navigate the evolving landscape of the industry.

Specialize and Find Your Niche: Explore different aspects of facial aesthetics and identify your areas of interest and expertise. Whether it’s mastering injectables, specializing in non-surgical facelifts, or focusing on skincare treatments, find your niche and become an expert in your chosen area.

Focus on Patient-centred Care: Prioritize patient-centred care by listening to your patients’ concerns, understanding their needs, and tailoring treatment plans to meet their goals. Building trust and rapport with your patients is key to delivering exceptional care and achieving successful outcomes.

Stay Committed and Passionate: Finally, stay committed to your passion for facial aesthetics and never stop striving for excellence in your practice. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to your patients’ well-being will set you apart and contribute to your success in the field.

By following these principles and embracing opportunities for growth and development, you can build a rewarding and fulfilling career in the dynamic field of facial aesthetics. Remember to stay patient, persistent, and passionate as you embark on this exciting journey. Remember to stay true to your values, prioritize patient care, and continue striving for excellence in everything you do.