How Kenyan-Born Surgeon Sonam Haria Is Filling Britain’s Dental Care Gap
Britain’s shortage of NHS dental services has increased demand for specialist oral surgeons, creating opportunities for professionals such as Kenyan-born surgeon Sonam Haria, who has built a distinguished career treating complex dental and head and neck conditions in the UK.
Britain is facing a severe dental care crisis that has exposed significant weaknesses in its public health system. Once recognised for providing universal access through the National Health Service (NHS), the country now struggles to deliver basic dental services.
Years of underfunding and an outdated contract system have prompted many dentists to leave the NHS, leaving large parts of the country without public dental practices accepting new patients. These “dental deserts” have left millions without routine check-ups, allowing minor dental problems to develop into serious infections requiring surgery.
The crisis has been worsened by dietary habits that contribute to poor oral health. Frequent snacking, sugary drinks and processed foods have increased rates of tooth decay across Britain. Children are particularly affected, with high sugar consumption exposing their teeth to prolonged acid attacks that gradually wear away enamel. Without regular preventive care, many children require hospital treatment under general anaesthetic to have several teeth removed. Against this backdrop, Kenyan-born oral surgeon Sonam Haria has established herself as a leading specialist in Britain.
Raised in Kenya, she excelled in both academics and sport, representing the country in international squash competitions before studying dentistry at King’s College London. Her move to the UK marked the beginning of a career built on extensive training and clinical expertise.
After qualifying as a dentist, Haria completed several years of postgraduate training before gaining specialist registration with the UK’s General Dental Council. This qualification is awarded only to dentists who complete advanced specialist training and pass demanding professional assessments.
She has worked at some of Britain’s leading institutions, including Guy’s Hospital in London, where she has treated patients with complex oral health conditions. Haria has developed expertise in dental implant surgery and oral oncology, caring for patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancers.
Her work combines clinical practice with research and focuses on restoring patients’ oral function and quality of life after complex treatment. She is also a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons of England, reflecting her standing within the profession.
Although based in the UK, Haria’s achievements have relevance for Kenya as the country expands Universal Health Coverage and responds to increasing rates of tooth decay linked to changing urban diets. Through mentorship, virtual teaching and partnerships with institutions such as the University of Nairobi Dental School, experienced diaspora professionals can support the development of specialist training, surgical practice and oral cancer care.
