Anna Walker graduated in 2003 and has worked in both hospital and private clinics ever since, both here and London. She now works at Dental on Richmond.
How have things changed with today’s high technology?
Dentistry is an amazing field for adapting new technology. When I graduated from university, we were still taught to place amalgam fillings in back teeth, but within a year of graduating, materials had developed so quickly that I have never placed another one. We are lucky to have amazing technology at our practice with airflows, digital and 3D radiography, and scanning to make treatment more comfortable and accurate.
Dentistry is an amazing field for adapting new technology. When I graduated from university, we were still taught to place amalgam fillings in back teeth, but within a year of graduating, materials had developed so quickly that I have never placed another one. We are lucky to have amazing technology at our practice with airflows, digital and 3D radiography, and scanning to make treatment more comfortable and accurate.
How do children accept going to the dentist today?
I think children are much happier about going to the dentist these days. We do see a lot of children who are very worried or have additional needs that make going through the school dental service very difficult. At our clinic we take great pride in trying to make coming to the dentist a really positive experience. I think the TV on the roof above all of our dental chairs certainly helps as well.
Give three tips on looking after your teeth?
Brush twice a day, morning and night with a soft toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste. Floss or use something to clean between your teeth (water flossers, interdental brushes or sticks) every night.
Reduce snacking, Ideally we would just have breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The worst thing we can do for our teeth is to be constantly grazing or snacking between these times. It means the bacteria in your mouth constantly have something to feed on. Carbonated drinks, including sparkling water, are not great for your teeth either.
I think children are much happier about going to the dentist these days. We do see a lot of children who are very worried or have additional needs that make going through the school dental service very difficult. At our clinic we take great pride in trying to make coming to the dentist a really positive experience. I think the TV on the roof above all of our dental chairs certainly helps as well.
Give three tips on looking after your teeth?
Brush twice a day, morning and night with a soft toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste. Floss or use something to clean between your teeth (water flossers, interdental brushes or sticks) every night.
Reduce snacking, Ideally we would just have breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The worst thing we can do for our teeth is to be constantly grazing or snacking between these times. It means the bacteria in your mouth constantly have something to feed on. Carbonated drinks, including sparkling water, are not great for your teeth either.
What is the best thing about where you live?
I live in Grey Lynn, really close to our practice. I have always loved the West Lynn shops with their amazing bars, restaurants, cafes, gift and book stores. But what I love the most is our amazing community and how eager people are to support local businesses.
What do you like about Ponsonby?
Ponsonby is such a vibrant area. There is always something happening and we are so lucky to have so many amazing bars, restaurants and cafes right on our doorstep. I loved seeing the huge crowd outside Mecca as it opened this morning. My girls will likely spend a lot of time there.
What was your childhood like?
I had a great childhood. I grew up in Timaru and I am one of four children, although I do consider myself the middle child. My Dad is one of 11 so I was very lucky to grow up with so many cousins around me. My best friend lived next door so I was never bored and we were always outside playing.
Your dream holiday internationally?
My kids are desperate to go skiing in Japan.
Your bucket list?
To travel more. I especially want to travel around Europe again. I can't believe it's been so long since we were living in London.
What job would you do other than your own?
I think I'd be a psychologist, I love helping people and I am fascinated by how our minds work.
If you were reincarnated, what would you be?
A Dog, I think our dog, Frankie, is so well loved and looked after. He also gets to spend an inordinate amount of time lying in the sun sleeping.
How would you like to be remembered?
Kind, friendly and funn
What do you love most about your age?
All of the things I've been lucky enough to learn and experience, and that I have so many more years left in front of me to enjoy and make them whatever I want them to be.
What motivates you?
I really love looking after people and my hope is that everyone I interact with is a little better off for having met me.
What’s inspired you this year?
I want to the play RGB about Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the waterfront theatre. I'm not really a feminist but I am conscious I would not be able to do what I do without such inspirational women who have gone before me.
Give your teenaged self-advice?
Don't worry so much about what others think of you.
How do you chill out?
I don't really as I have three kids and a busy Dental practice but I do love spending time with my friends for a good laugh.
Most treasured possession?
My family, closely followed by my clothes. (DAVID HARTNELL MNZM)
