At The Real, we are always drawn to individuals who not only excel in their profession but also use their success to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Dr Hadi Hassanzadeh is one such person. A triple-qualified clinician in medicine, surgery and dentistry, Dr Hadi has dedicated more than a decade to mastering some of healthcare’s most demanding disciplines. Today, his expertise has earned him a reputation as one of the capital’s most sought-after dental professionals, attracting a loyal client base who trust him with their smiles. He has impressive credentials, but what stands out the most is his commitment to improving people’s lives – whether through restoring confidence in a smile, relieving pain or raising funds for charitable causes.
In 2024 Dr Hadi founded Made in London Dental Clinic, a practice designed to challenge everything people traditionally associate with visiting the dentist. Far removed from the clinical, anxiety-inducing experiences many patients expect, Made in London offers a calming, spa-like environment where comfort, wellbeing and patient experience are placed at the heart of every appointment. The aim is simple; to transform dental care from something people endure into something they genuinely enjoy.
Away from the clinic, Dr Hadi is equally passionate about giving back. Through his charity cycling initiatives, including the annual Hadi’s Charity Bike Ride, he has brought communities together while raising funds for worthy causes, proving that healthcare extends far beyond the walls of a surgery. We sat down with Dr Hadi to talk about the remarkable journey that took him from medicine and neurosurgery to dentistry, the philosophy behind Made in London, the importance of oral health, and why helping others remains the driving force behind everything he does.
What first inspired you to become a dentist?
What first inspired me was the immediate difference dentistry can make to a patient’s life. There is something very rewarding about treating someone who may be in pain, anxious, or unhappy with their smile, and then seeing the relief and satisfaction almost straight away. I have also always had great admiration for dentistry as a profession. It is one of the most challenging, technical, and, in many ways, underrated careers in healthcare. It combines science, artistry, communication, surgery, precision, and patient care all in one profession, which I found very appealing.
You are a supremely talented dentist, doctor and surgeon. How long did it take to become triple qualified?
It has been a long but very rewarding journey. I qualified in medicine in 2013, then went on to complete core surgical training and became a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons after passing my membership exams in 2018. I then qualified in dentistry in 2023. So, in terms of formal qualifications, it took around ten years, but in reality, the learning never stops. Medicine, surgery, and dentistry are all professions where you are constantly developing your skills, refining your judgement, and learning from every patient you treat.
Do you instantly judge people’s teeth when you meet them?
Unfortunately, I have to admit that I do! It is very difficult not to. Even when someone is not smiling, I think a degree of facial and dental analysis happens subconsciously. That said, I do not see it as judgement in a negative way. It is more that, because of my training, I naturally notice details in the face, smile, teeth, and overall appearance. It is a professional habit that is very hard to switch off.
What’s the first thing you notice in a person’s smile?
Usually, the first thing I notice is the overall quality of the smile and the cleanliness of the teeth. People often think a good smile is only about having straight, white teeth, but oral hygiene is just as important, if not more important. You can have perfectly straight and white teeth, but if they are not clean and healthy, then the smile loses its impact. A healthy smile always stands out.
Do friends and family often ask you for dental advice?
Yes, all the time. In fact, family and friends have been asking me for advice since I was a medical student, so it has never really stopped.Because of my background in both medicine and dentistry, the questions are not limited to oral health either. I can be asked about anything from head to toe. It comes with the territory, but I do enjoy being able to help people where I can.
Has your career changed your lifestyle in unexpected ways?
Yes, definitely. My career has shaped my lifestyle in many ways. The years of training, the exams, the weekend work, night shifts, and on-call commitments have required a lot of discipline and sacrifice. There have been times when work had to come before social plans, rest, or personal time. It has not always been easy, but it has also given me resilience, perspective, and a strong sense of purpose.
Dentistry can be a challenging and stressful job. Is it difficult to switch off from work?
It can be very difficult to switch off. Dentistry requires a lot of concentration, precision, and responsibility, and sometimes you carry that mental load with you after the working day ends. I try to compartmentalise where possible and create boundaries between work and home life, but it is not always easy. When you care about your patients and the quality of your work, it naturally stays with you.
What pastimes do you enjoy when you’re not working?
Most of all, I enjoy spending time with my little daughter. Life can be extremely busy, so those moments are very precious to me. I have also always enjoyed road cycling. It gives me a sense of freedom and is a great way to clear my mind. Cycling has also become closely linked with my charity work, which makes it even more meaningful.
What has been the most meaningful moment in your career so far?
Some of the most meaningful moments were during my time in neurosurgery. In that field, life, death, and disability are part of everyday work, and that gives you a very different perspective on life. Certain cases stayed with me deeply and made me think about life in a more philosophical way than I ever had before. Those experiences shaped me not only as a clinician, but also as a person. They taught me the importance of empathy, perspective, and never taking health for granted.
What daily habits make the biggest difference for maintaining healthy teeth?
For me, one of the biggest factors is avoiding frequent sugar exposure. It is not just the amount of sugar that matters, but how often the teeth are exposed to it throughout the day. Of course, regular brushing and flossing are essential, but diet plays a huge role too. Good oral health is really built on consistency: brushing well, cleaning between the teeth, limiting frequent sugary snacks and drinks, and attending regular dental check-ups.
If readers could benefit from changing just one thing about their dental routine, what should it be?
I would encourage people to educate themselves on the basics of good oral health. Many dental problems are preventable, but prevention depends on understanding what actually causes them. If I had to focus on one change, it would be to improve the consistency of daily oral hygiene and reduce frequent sugar exposure. Better brushing, interdental cleaning, healthier dietary habits, and stopping smoking can make a huge difference not only to teeth, but to general health and confidence too.
You have organised ‘Hadi’s Charity Bike Ride’ for several years to raise money for charities such as SWELL. What inspired you to start getting involved in charity work alongside your dental career?
I have always loved road cycling, and over time it became a natural way for me to combine something I enjoy with something meaningful. As a medical student, I completed a 1,000-mile charity bike ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End, which was a huge physical and mental challenge. Later, I completed another charity ride from Leeds to Berlin, which was a wonderful experience. Since then, I have organised three charity bike rides along the west coast of Ireland, raising money for causes including SWELL. The events have been a great success and have brought people together for a positive purpose. For me, charity work is a reminder that healthcare should not only be about what happens in clinics or hospitals. It is also about community, service, and using whatever platform you have to help others.
Tell us about the most meaningful moment from your fundraising journey.
One of the most meaningful parts of the fundraising journey has been seeing people come together for something bigger than themselves. Charity cycling is physically demanding, but the shared purpose makes it incredibly rewarding. There have been moments during the rides where people were tired, soaked by the rain, or struggling with the distance, but everyone kept going because they knew the cause mattered. Seeing that determination and team spirit has been very special. It has also been very meaningful to know that something as simple as cycling with friends and colleagues can translate into real support for charities and the people they help.
Are there any future charity challenges or fundraising plans you’re excited about?
Life has become extremely busy, especially with work and family, but I definitely hope to organise more charity bike rides in the future. I would love to take on another meaningful cycling challenge, ideally somewhere with slightly less rain! The goal would be to bring people together again, raise money for good causes, and create an event that is both challenging and enjoyable.
What kind of impact would you like to leave in dentistry?
The impact I would like to leave has two parts: functional and cosmetic. Functionally, I want to help patients achieve and maintain good oral health, so they can keep their teeth healthy, comfortable, and working well for as long as possible. Good dentistry is not just about treating problems; it is about prevention, education, and helping patients understand how to look after their own health. Cosmetically, I want to help patients achieve the best smile they deserve. A healthy, confident smile can have a major effect on everyday life. It influences how people interact, how they feel about themselves, and how confidently they present themselves to the world. For me, a smile is never just about teeth. It is about health, confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life.
Follow Dr Hadi and his team on Instagram @made_in_london_dental
