Dr Affan, the 36-year-old award-winning co-founder of SPACE Dental, has issued a stark warning to the public over the rise of “DIY dentistry” driven by viral social media trends.
The Huddersfield-born clinician, who won Young Dentist of the Year in 2022, reports seeing a significant increase in patients presenting with enamel damage, severe tooth sensitivity, and gum problems. He links these issues directly to online whitening hacks, abrasive charcoal toothpaste trends, and unsupervised cosmetic treatments promoted on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Dr Affan attributes the rise in self-experimentation to the current difficulties many people face when trying to access timely professional dental care locally.
To safely navigate oral care, Dr Affan advises patients to prioritise health before aesthetics. He urges the public to follow trusted NHS oral health guidance, buy dental products exclusively from reputable pharmacies or supermarkets, and seek professional advice early rather than relying on social media influencers.
Dr Affan, who holds an MSc with distinction in Advanced Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry, advocates for a minimally invasive approach known as the “ABC Method” (Align, Brighten, Contour). This technique focuses on creating natural smile transformations while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
The dentist’s business has expanded significantly from its Yorkshire roots—where it operates clinics in Wakefield and Sheffield alongside a site in Stockport. Driven by high demand from patients travelling from the South, SPACE Dental has officially expanded into the capital with the opening of its first London clinic in Whetstone.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr Affan said:
“Coming from a working-class background in Huddersfield, I never imagined building multiple businesses or opening clinics in London. My dad really instilled discipline, pride, and work ethic into us from a young age. There’s often a perception that success in healthcare, business and aesthetics only happens in the South, but Yorkshire produces incredible talent. I want young people from communities like mine to realise that with education, discipline and consistency, it’s possible to build something meaningful without losing connection to your roots.”
