Two successful candidates in the CGDent and GC Award for Foundation Trainees 2024/25, Dental Therapist Ruba Al-Nuaimy and Dentist Karan Ahir, describe taking part in the competition and what they gained from the experience.
Q. What’s your dental role and which DFT Region are you in?
Ruba Al-Nuaimy: I am a Dental Therapist and Hygienist on the North West scheme.
Karan Ahir: I am a Foundation Dentist in the West Yorkshire Scheme.
Q. Why did you decide to enter the CGDent-GC Award?
RA: I entered the competition because it was a great opportunity to showcase my clinical skills and challenge myself early in my career. When I saw the award was also open to dental therapists, I knew I had to try, as it felt like the perfect way to step outside my comfort zone.
KA: I genuinely enjoy the challenge and artistry involved in placing anterior composites, which is why I decided to enter. Restoring both function and aesthetics in such a visible area is highly rewarding, and I was keen to showcase the work I have carried out in this case.
Also having the opportunity to attend a renowned anterior composite course particularly excited me, as it offered an opportunity to further refine my skills, learn advanced techniques, and ultimately deliver even higher quality outcomes for my patients. I saw this competition not only as a platform to share my work but also as a valuable step in my professional development, enabling me to continually improve and grow as a clinician.
Q: Can you describe the case you entered?
RA: The case I entered with was a 26-year old male patient with Autism and additional needs. He presented with poor OH, generalised gingivitis and multiple anterior carious lesions. I focused on stabilising the active gum disease through behaviour management and tailored advice, before moving on to restoring the anterior teeth.
KA: A 40-year-old fit and well female presented with missing posterior teeth and failing anterior restorations, beneath which was severe anterior tooth surface loss (TSL), causing functional difficulty and dissatisfaction with her appearance. The aetiology was multifactorial: past unstable GORD, high intake of fizzy drinks, and nocturnal bruxism. Posterior teeth had previously been extracted due to erosion and caries, though the patient remained periodontally stable. She declined NHS referral after being previously refused treatment, so care was undertaken locally.
Treatment provided included OHI, preventive advice, and initial composite restorations. A diagnostic wax-up was used to guide upper anterior composite build-ups at an increased OVD, completed with a palatal stent and freehand layering. A soft lower occlusal splint was provided for protection, and Co-Cr upper and lower partial dentures were fitted to restore posterior support and reduce anterior load. The patient adapted well, expressed satisfaction with both function and appearance, and was motivated to maintain reduced fizzy drink intake and attend for ongoing reviews.
Q. How will you adapt your practice as a result of attending the composite layering course?
RA: Attending the composite layering course has changed the way I approach restorative work. I feel more confident in freehand composite placement, with a stronger understanding of shade selection, anatomical build-up, and creating depth in restorations. I now follow a structured finishing and polishing routine to restore natural contours, refine surface texture, and achieve a smooth, high-gloss finish that improves both aesthetics and longevity.
I also pay closer attention to light perception in anterior cases, using both enamel and dentine shades to replicate translucency and achieve seamless, natural results. These changes have made me a more confident practitioner, able to deliver restorations that are both durable and highly aesthetic, while motivating me to continue refining my skills.
KA: After attending the composite layering course, I want to apply what I’ve learned to make my anterior restorations look as natural as possible. By using advanced layering techniques, I can better replicate the optical properties of enamel and dentine, creating restorations that blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth while remaining durable and functional.
I also feel more confident in using opaquers for discoloured cases. Now that I understand the correct technique and application, I will incorporate them more often. This will allow me to mask underlying discolouration effectively without relying on excessive dentine composite, resulting in restorations that are both more aesthetic and less bulky.
In addition, I will refine my finishing and polishing by following the protocols demonstrated during the course. This will help me achieve a higher-quality surface finish, enabling restorations to maintain their shine and resist staining for longer, outcomes that patients will both notice and value.
Q. Has your success in the CGDent-GC Award impacted you in any other ways?
RA: Winning the Award has boosted my confidence and reinforced my passion for dentistry. It has opened opportunities to network with other professionals and broaden my understanding of the dental field. This achievement has motivated me to keep developing my clinical abilities and to take on new challenges in my career.
KA: Being successful in the CG Dent-GC Award has significantly increased my confidence in anterior composite work and motivated me to continue developing my restorative skills. It has inspired me to attend further restorative courses to broaden my knowledge and stay up to date with best practices. I also aim to share the techniques and insights I’ve gained with colleagues, helping to raise standards within my team. Beyond technical skills, the award has reminded me of the profound impact well-executed restorative work can have on patients’ confidence and quality of life.
Q. What would you say to other Foundation Trainees thinking of entering the Award?
RA: I would definitely encourage Foundation Trainees to enter the award, especially Dental Therapists. It’s an amazing opportunity to develop skills, boost confidence, and gain experiences that can really enhance your early career as a Therapist. It was also a great way to socialise and connect with other Foundation Trainees in a similar position to me. I gained valuable perspective from dentists, and, in turn, they learnt more about the role of a Dental Therapist. It was really rewarding to share knowledge, learn from each other, and build a strong professional network.
KA: To any Foundation Trainees considering entering, I would say it’s a no-brainer. As part of foundation training, we’re required to present a complex case, which could likely involve anterior composite restorations – perfect for submission. Beyond showcasing your work, winning gives you the incredible opportunity to attend a world-class course in Belgium, expand your skills, and meet like-minded dental professionals who have also succeeded in the competition. It’s a chance to learn, network, and be inspired, all while gaining recognition for work you’re already doing as part of your foundation training.
