Force is Female: London

Past Event: 24th April 2026

Barclays
1 Churchill Place
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5HP

See Event

Gallery

24th April 2026 – Canary Wharf, London

A groundbreaking event for women in dentistry

Join us for an exclusive day as we unveil The Female Dentist‘s most anticipated event: Force is Female. Designed to empower, inspire, and connect ambitious women in dentistry, this event blends professional development, high-level networking, and an unforgettable experience.

Why you can’t miss this event

✅ Elite networking: Connect with trailblasing women in dentistry, practice owners, and industry leaders.

✅ Inspiring keynote speakers: Hear from influential voices in dentistry, business, and personal growth.

✅ Exclusive insights: Learn from experts about career advancement, practice growth, and industry trends.

✅ Intimate experience: Get to know your fellow females in this inspiring setting, with a fine dining networking lunch and meaningful connections.

✅ Game changing opportunities: Elevate your career with collaborations, mentorships, and industry partnerships.

✅ CPD included: Gain 5 hours of CPD while investing in your growth, knowledge, and network.

This event is free for all women in dentistry.

Upcoming Events Buy Membership

Who should attend?

Women in dentistry ready to elevate their careers and step into their power

Practice owners and leaders looking to grow, innovate, and inspire

Dental professionals who believe in uplifting, supporting, and championing women across the industry

Speakers

Rafina O’Brien

Host of Force is Female and TFD Ambassador

With over 14 years’ experience across all areas of dentistry, Rafina is dedicated to clinical excellence, leadership, and supporting others in the profession. Her career spans naval service, community dentistry, and private practice, shaping a strong commitment to accessible, compassionate care.

A proud Dentaid Ambassador and Ms Great Britain finalist, she is passionate about widening access to oral healthcare, championing women in dentistry, and empowering others through positivity and mentorship.

Andrea Delay

Managing Director – Barclays Bank plc

Andrea has over 30 years’ experience in Corporate and Investment Banking, beginning at Barclays before returning in 2009, with roles also at Commerzbank and Wachovia. She has held multiple leadership roles and became Head of Mid Corporate in 2020, previously serving as National Head of Business & Professional Services.

She leads on Colleague Voice (People Pillar) and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and has held external positions including Board Member at the University of the West of Scotland, IOD Council member, and Chair of the Northern Powerhouse Education & Skills Board. She also holds an MBA from Kingston University. Outside work, Andrea enjoys fitness, golf, and time with her teenage son, Jack.

Dr Aman Kaur

Women in DSO

Board Advisor | AI Leadership Advocate | Global Dental Industry Strategist

Dr. Aman Kaur is a globally recognised thought leader and strategic advisor, trusted by dental groups, DSOs, and private equity leaders shaping the future of dentistry. Operating at the intersection of AI innovation, investment, and dental operations, she supports boards and executive teams through complex growth and transformation.

Blending deep clinical insight with commercial intelligence, Dr. Kaur advises influential organisations on scaling dental platforms and adopting AI-first leadership models that align people, technology, and capital for sustainable, future-ready success.

Dr Leanne Branton

Dentsply Sirona

Leanne Branton graduated from Glasgow in 2003 and went on to establish Southside Dental Care in Edinburgh. An experienced implant dentist, she has been placing implants for over 10 years and has completed advanced postgraduate training in Implant and Digital Dentistry. Her practice uses cutting-edge digital technology to deliver accurate, predictable implant care with high patient satisfaction.

Leanne will share her journey as a female Key Opinion Leader in dentistry, reflecting on overcoming self-doubt and fear of public speaking. By stepping outside her comfort zone, she transformed her confidence, accelerated her career, and now uses her voice to educate, lead, and inspire others in the profession.

Joanne McKenna

Henry Schein

With 26 years at Henry Schein, Joanne McKenna focuses on building strong relationships and strategic partnerships across the dental sector as Business Manager for Corporate and Strategic Accounts.

She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and qualifications in NLP coaching, hypnosis, Timeline Therapy®, and Reiki, which shape her leadership and communication style.

Joanne is driven by connection, growth, and empowering others to reach their potential.

Sarah Jarvis

TFD Board Member

Sarah Jarvis is an experienced Commercial Relationship Manager who provides tailored financial solutions to support business growth, particularly within the healthcare and child day care nursery sectors. With strong expertise in portfolio management, financial risk, and business relationship management, she helps clients secure the right funding through a trusted, strategic, and supportive approach. Passionate about friendly finance, she is dedicated to helping businesses thrive.

Nicki Rowland

TFD Board Member

After co-owning an award-winning dental practice for 10 years, Nicki founded Practices Made Perfect (PMP) to provide tailored coaching, compliance support, and leadership training for dental teams. She also created the Magic Dentist campaign—now a registered charity—helping primary schools improve children’s oral health and reduce hospital admissions. In 2021, she was recognised in Dentistry’s Top 50 most influential people.

Dr Wajiha Basir

TFD Board Member

Dr Wajiha Basir graduated from Manchester Dental School in 2007 and has completed extensive postgraduate training, including Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry at the University of Chester and Dental Implantology at ICE Hospital, Manchester. A member of the Royal College of Surgeons and the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, she specialises in advanced restorative and cosmetic dentistry. She was Highly Commended Practice Principal of the Year (North) in 2024 and a finalist for Dentist of the Year in 2023 and 2024. Dr Basir also holds a Diploma in Teaching in Healthcare from UCLan and has mentored newly qualified dentists and clinical trainees at ICE Hospital. Outside of work, she supports wellbeing-focused charitable projects, enjoys painting, piano, travel, and is a proud mum of two.

Dr Anne O’Donnell

TFD Board Member

Dr Anne O’Donnell qualified from Cork Dental School in 1984 and found her first position in an NHS practice in Surrey within a week. Two years later, she returned to Ireland, where she has worked ever since. Throughout her career, she has worked as an associate, started her own squat practice, helped build a new surgery within a medical centre, served as Clinical Director for the Smiles group, and worked within the public dental service. With extensive clinical and professional experience, Dr O’Donnell is now passionate about sharing her knowledge with younger colleagues.

Dr Nadia Ahmed

Nadia is a Consultant Orthodontist in South Yorkshire who works in both the hospital and in private specialist practice. She is also a certified life coach with a passion for teaching and coaching. She is the author of several life coaching articles and runs workshops for Dental and Medical professionals covering various topics such as how to identify their core values to navigate decision-making, maintain a good work-life balance with a focus on wellbeing, how to overcome imposter syndrome and build self-confidence and building resilience to prevent stress and burnout.

Dr Aditi Bhalla

TFD Board Member

Aditi Bhalla is a Prosthodontist and Integrative Psychotherapist with over 15 years in dentistry and specialist training in mental health, mindfulness, and movement. After experiencing burnout herself, she founded Compassion Focused Dentistry and the Dental Wellbeing Hub to provide practical, preventative tools that help dental professionals manage stress and prioritise their wellbeing. Today, she delivers wellbeing workshops, team training, and one-to-one support—all while embracing the busy, joyful rhythm of motherhood.

Alex Hall

Partner at Knights Solicitors

Alexander is a Partner in the Corporate team at Knights Solicitors.

He specialises in advising dentists, orthodontists, dental companies and Local Dental Committees, and has built a strong nationwide reputation within the dental sector.

Practising corporate, commercial and regulatory law, Alexander supports dental clients with the purchase and sale of practices, incorporations, and NHS contract disputes, providing highly specialised and technical advice tailored to the profession.

Shipla Khanum

Senior Associate at Knights Solicitors

Shipla Khanum is a Corporate Solicitor (Senior Associate) at Knights and has over 14 years’ experience focusing on transactions in the Dental Sector. She advises on a wide range of corporate matters, including, buying and selling of Dental Practices, business venture agreements, ancillary regulated advice relating to CQC/NHS and corporate refinance and restructuring projects. She is part of a wider team who provides advice to over 100 dental practitioners per year.

The day’s schedule

Time	Session	Details
9:00 AM	Arrivals and networking	Welcome refreshments, meet with other dentist and professionals.
10:00 AM	Event Kick Off	Steve Kettle, The Female Dentist – Welcome and setting out the day.
10:15 AM	Dr Aditi Bhalla	Arrive Before You Begin: A Compassion-Based Foundation for the Clinical Day. Start your day with intention, simple breath and awareness practices to centre yourself before the day begins.
10:45 AM	Andrea Delay, Managing Director at Barclays	The Journey to Becoming a Female Managing Director at Barclays
11:25 AM	Coffee Break	Coffee Break
11:40 AM	Alex Hall and Shipla Khanum from Knights Solicitors	Legal Considerations for Acquiring or Starting a Dental Practice: Alex and Shipla will guide you through the legal processes and pros and cons of acquiring an existing dental practice or setting up a squat practice.
12:00 PM	Dr Aman Kaur from Women in DSO	Where Dentistry Is Headed: The Evolving Role of Dental Groups and DSO. Dr Aman Kaur on how Dental Groups & DSOs are shaping care, leadership & growth.
12:20 PM	Dr Leanne Branton from Dentsply Sirona	Leanne shares how she overcame self-doubt and fear to become a confident Key Opinion Leader in dentistry, inspiring others to find their voice.
12:40 PM	Lunch & Networking	Enjoy lunch overlooking the Thames with some fantastic company.
1:20 PM	Joanne McKenna from Henry Schein	Discover the key trends shaping dentistry in 2026, with insights and real-world data from Henry Schein’s latest industry whitepaper.
1:40 PM	TFD Board Panel presenting Dr Wajiha Basir, Dr Anne O’Donnell, Sarah Jarvis and Nicki Rowland	Beyond the Chair: Women leading dentistry from every angle. Honest and open conversations about challenges in the clinical, business and leadership roles shaping the profession.
3:20 PM	Coffee Break	Coffee Break
3:30 PM	Dr Nadia Ahmed	Align and Aspire.
4:00 PM	Closing & Thank You	Steve Kettle, The Female Dentist
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM	End of the day	The Female Dentist Team

Book Your Place Buy Membership

Venue

Our venue for the event, the Barclays offices at Canary Wharf, offers a modern, elegant, and inspiring setting in the heart of London’s financial district. With stunning views, a professional atmosphere, and state-of-the-art facilities, it provides the perfect space for meaningful conversations, networking, and celebrating the incredible women in dentistry.