Please introduce yourself
Hi, I’m Dr Kunal Rai, I’m principal dentist at Meliora Dental in Leeds.
I graduated from Charles University in Prague. Since then, I’ve done an MSc in implant dentistry and a postgraduate diploma in clear aligner therapy.
Among Asian families, you are preconditioned to be a doctor, dentist, lawyer or an engineer. You basically need to have some kind of formal qualification.
I did my initial degree in computer science with artificial intelligence, but from day one I hated working behind a desk. It was just not for me.
Luckily, I did my A levels in science based subjects and I come from a medical family background. Hence, I’ve got a few friends and family who were or are in the medical field, and they offered me a chance to come and shadow them for a week. And that’s how my love for dentistry occurred.
But dentistry, for me, is a amalgamation of art, science and psychology.
Out of dentistry, I’m passionate about all things related to health and wellbeing.
I’m a big advocate of meditation. I religiously wake up every day at 5am to ensure I can do half an hour of meditation for my own sanity and a positive mindset.
The effect of social media on young dentists. They tend to run before they can walk and this can have a negative impact.
It can cause mental stress and can also negative feelings such as impostor syndrome.
Changing patient perspectives about dentists and helping them to smile with confidence.
Dentistry is forever evolving and we are definitely moving more and more towards the use of digital and AI.
With the use of technology, we are going to have more and more predictable treatment, better treatment.
It is definitely going to push us towards better dentistry. It is an exciting time!
I’m a big dreamer – I would love to have a chain of practices.
But, honestly speaking, what I would like to do is be more involved in education and mentoring. I would like to run my own composite course so I can pass on the skills and experience I have acquired over the years
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EXPLORE
Dental Phobia Certified
Winner : AGC Case of the Year 2022
Orthodontics : Clear Aligner
Best Young Dentist 2021 Finalist
Best Young Dentist 2020 Finalist
As a result of an accident I had as a child my front tooth suffered some trauma and became discoloured over time. The tooth eventually broke last year which led to it being removed. I was referred to Kunal who took me through the various options I had. As functionality was the most important aspect...
As a child, I was given a fixed brace by a practice who showed very little care. These were removed after 9 months due to them being "unable to straighten anymore" leaving me unhappy with my teeth and a major open bite. As years went on, I became less and less confident with my teeth,...
Thank you for your hard work and I hope this testimonial reflects just how happy I am with my smile. The care and attention which I received during my smile makeover was far better than any I have previously experienced. Kunal and his team were amazing throughout the entire process. I had regular check-ups throughout,...
Kunal is a very approachable, informative and meticulous dentist. From the beginning of my last Invisalign journey, Kunal explained the procedure very clearly and thoroughly. He showed me a 3D image and how my teeth would change throughout the treatment, the length of the treatment and the possible cons of it, such as black triangles...
I was never conscious of my teeth much but over the years my teeth became more overcrowded, in particular my bottom teeth. I found myself smiling in photos with my mouth closed as I didn’t like the way my teeth looked this was something that over time I got even more conscious of and so...
Kunal and his team gave me the best experience throughout my transformation. Everything was explained all the way through the process and he even accommodated my lunch time appointments every 4 weeks! He always gave his honest opinions and made me feel at ease. He is such a perfectionist and wouldn’t let me leave my...
As a result of an accident I had as a child my front tooth suffered some trauma and became discoloured over time. The tooth eventually broke last year which led to it being removed. I was referred to Kunal who took me through the various options I had. As functionality was the most important aspect for a replacement for me we agreed an implant was the route to go. The tooth removal however left an element of damage to the natural bone so I had to undergo a bone graft to repair this. One year after the extraction (as 2 bone grafts were needed in the end) I'm now fitted with my implant and I can honestly say I have never been as proud to smile as I am today. From start to finish Kunal...
As a child, I was given a fixed brace by a practice who showed very little care. These were removed after 9 months due to them being "unable to straighten anymore" leaving me unhappy with my teeth and a major open bite. As years went on, I became less and less confident with my teeth, until I came across Kunal. From the first moment I walked into the practice, Kunal was very welcoming and talked me through every possible stage that would happen if I was to go ahead with treatment with zoom calls to show the perceived results and ensure I was happy to go ahead with treatment Kunal gave me a diagnosis of my open bite, which was behavioural, therefore instantly this behavioural trait was worked upon to receive the best results from...
Thank you for your hard work and I hope this testimonial reflects just how happy I am with my smile. The care and attention which I received during my smile makeover was far better than any I have previously experienced. Kunal and his team were amazing throughout the entire process. I had regular check-ups throughout, and each time Kunal would make sure I was happy, not just with the work that had already taken place, but with the direction my smile was headed. Kunal engaged in discussion with me about each aspect making sure I fully understood what would happen and giving me the chance to have my own input. This combined with his vast knowledge and incredible skill left me feeling fully relaxed and in safe hands. Each step was performed in meticulous detail,...
Kunal is a very approachable, informative and meticulous dentist. From the beginning of my last Invisalign journey, Kunal explained the procedure very clearly and thoroughly. He showed me a 3D image and how my teeth would change throughout the treatment, the length of the treatment and the possible cons of it, such as black triangles and what can be done to minimize them. Kunal made it clear from the beginning that as a dentist his interest was the function of the teeth, better oral hygiene, the bite etc. I learned so much from him regarding my own teeth, that it was my bottom teeth that was causing the misalignment on my top teeth, l have gum recession due to excess brushing and l was in danger of losing two teeth due to it! Things my...
