Meet Dental Nurse Idrees Stanikzai

It’s with great pleasure we share the news that Idrees Stanikzai is a qualified dental nurse. Not only did Idrees pass his exams, he was top of his class! But even before he began working with SpaDental as a trainee nurse, he was a star student!

Idrees training with implant surgeon James Barber at SpaDental Tewkesbury.

Planning a new beginning

Idrees joined SpaDental in 2022. Living through the turmoil in his home country of Afghanistan, following the resurgence of the Taliban after the withdrawal of US troops before 1st May 2021, his future became unpredictable there. Universities were closed, and it looked unlikely he would be able to complete the final year of his medical degree to become a doctor.

Idrees Stanikzai and Dentist Aryaan Khalid

At that time, the Covid-19 pandemic had put the dreams of so many young people around the world on hold. Combine that with a major political power shift and Idrees was seriously concerned for his future.

But there was a chance he could change path along an exciting, new route. Talking with his uncle, Dentist Aryaan Khalid, Idrees realised there was an opportunity for him to work in the UK and he got in touch with SpaDental. Idrees is thankful to his uncle for his life-changing support before he arrived in England and since. Aryaan is an excellent role model and a patient, informative teacher for trainees and staff working alongside him.

Before he could make the journey to England, Idrees faced a number of challenges. Although he had learned some English at school, to meet the Home Office language proficiency requirements he had to cross the border into Pakistan and enrol on an English language course to take the IELTS exams. During the last two years, working and living in England, Idrees has achieved commendable fluency.

The Home Office paperwork requirements required detailed attention. Idrees was very pleased by how helpful Nicky Phillips, SpaDental Business Development Director, was. Even before he arrived he felt well supported as Nicky guided him so carefully and thoughtfully through the HO requirements.

Idrees says, “Without SpaDental, I wouldn’t be here. And I love it here! I love the people I work with, the friends I have made, and having a future to look forward to here in England.”

A new life begins

After the months of preparation, finally landing at Heathrow airport was a relief. Since then, Idrees has never looked back.  He loves his new life in England. Idrees is enormously grateful for the welcome and the ongoing support he has received from the SpaDental family, especially from the clinicians, nursing staff and practice managers he has worked with. His enthusiasm and willingness to work hard is greatly appreciated by his colleagues.

Training to be a Dental Nurse

SpaDental supports trainee dental nurses with access to an academic programme provided by Nascot Dental Team Training (NDTT) preparing students to take National Diploma in Dental Nursing (NEBDN) examinations. SpaDental also has in place a structured in-surgery training plan across different practices which is invaluable for students to develop a wide breadth of practical knowledge.

Beginning with initial induction training in SpaDental Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye and Tewkesbury, Idrees observed a range of treatments and procedures with a range of dentists, therapists and experienced nurses. After learning basics, trainee nurses work alongside clinicians and experienced nurses to help them develop their skills.

During his training, Idrees also enjoyed travelling to Cornwall to work in SpaDental Saltash with the team providing NHS dental care. A highlight of his learning journey has been observing how implant surgery is performed.

Now Idrees has passed his examinations with flying colours, the  General Dental Council (GDC) adds him to the qualified nurse register.

Feeling at home

In his spare time, Idrees enjoys playing cricket. He feels fortunate to be able to use the University of Gloucester library and will enrol on more courses to further his studies.

We are sure all our patients wish Idrees well for his future studies and development.

On the topic:

• Meet Bashayier Ahmed, a dentist qualified overseas
• Work with us

Useful Links & Information