Yorkshire dentist has been named best in the UK at the UK Dentistry Awards 2022. Dr Affan Saghir, owner and lead dentist of Space Dental in Wakefield, was named Young Dentist of the Year at the prestigious event.

The awards recognise excellence in dentistry across the UK. The honour comes after 10 years of perfecting his skills in cosmetic dentistry and opening his state-of-the-art practice in February 2021. Space Dental is a leading cosmetic dental practice, experts in teeth straightening, composite bonding and other specialist procedures, including dental implants.

The practice is headed up by clinical director Dr Affan and business director Samuel Dyson. It has grown quickly to a team of 40, including eight dentists and four hygienists.

Commenting on the award, Dr Affan said: “I like to thank my friends, family and mentors who supported me on my journey. The award is great recognition for all my team's hard work as we continue to progress and build the practice. Space Dental is growing thanks to a focus on delivering a great customer experience, and our patients are always our biggest advocates.”

Dr Affan is internationally renowned as an expert in minimally invasive smile makeovers. His lecturing on the topic has taken him across the globe, from Japan to the USA. He is also the senior vice-chair of the British Dental Association for West Yorkshire.

He has developed an impressive social media following of over 70,000 followers on Instagram, where he shares his passion for dentistry. The Space team is also a favourite for many celebrities and well-known social media influencers, such as Daisy O’Donnell (1.2m followers on Instagram).

Dr Affan concluded: “I’d like to thank my parents for giving me the values and support to grow a flourishing dental practice. It’s moments like these that make you appreciate the hard work that everyone has put in.”