The Magic Dentist

A Spark of Oral Health Magic: The Inspiring Journey of the Magic Dentist

With a blend of determination, creativity, and compassion, the Magic Dentist charity has become a beacon of change, impacting countless lives across the UK. Its vision is clear: transform children's dental care, educate families, and eliminate the fears surrounding dentistry—one magical step at a time. Here in the UK, the number one reason for child admissions into hospital and to have a general anaesthetic is to have teeth extracted. Last year, 48,000 children received hospital treatment that had a direct impact on absenteeism from school, children’s mental health problems and poor systemic health. 

After the Covid-19 epidemic, Nicki Rowland, the founder of the Magic Dentist, set her sights on tackling the growing crisis in children’s oral health. With a fierce sense of purpose, she launched the Magic Dentist campaign. The mission? To combat the disturbing statistics that show thousands of children requiring hospital treatment for tooth extractions—often under general anaesthesia. In a country where lack of access to NHS dentistry and the increasing poverty crisis contribute to these alarming numbers, Nicki knew something had to change.

In April 2024, the Magic Dentist charity was officially registered. Supported by a network of dental professionals and leading companies nationwide, including Septodont and Tepe, the charity’s vision quickly began to take root. It is more than just another initiative—it is a movement. A movement that infuses magic into every aspect of children’s dental care, offering a brighter, more engaging experience that helps remove the stigma and fear around dental visits.

The foundation of this vision lies in Nicki’s collaboration with her daughter, Izzy. Together, they created The Magic Dentist book, a whimsical yet educational tool that teaches children about oral health through rhyming verses. The book is a hit, and has been adapted into animated videos, presentations, and magical activities, captivating children while educating them on the importance of dental care.

The charity has not stopped at books and animations. The Magic Dentist has launched the Adopt a School programme — a dynamic initiative designed to bring oral health education into primary schools across the UK. This programme trains dental care professionals to work with teachers, equipping them with lesson plans, quizzes, and magical workshops that children adore. The idea is simple yet profound: teach kids about their teeth and empower them to share this knowledge with their families through magic tricks. Imagine a child performing a magic trick to explain the importance of brushing their teeth—now that’s learning with a twist!

By 2026, it is estimated that over 100 dental practices will be participating in the programme, engaging children in oral health education through what Nicki calls “Magic Dentist Days.” These events bring children into dental practices, where they receive check-ups, gain access to dental care plans, and, most importantly, discover that dentistry can be fun. These efforts aim to address immediate dental pain, improve oral health literacy, and foster a stronger connection between children, parents, and dental professionals.

While the success of these initiatives is undeniable, there are hurdles to overcome. With education and dental care being largely funded by the state, the Magic Dentist faces significant challenges in securing financial support. But true to its spirit, the charity has found creative ways to fund their initiatives. Partnering with the Goald Challenge App, it is launching a series of fun challenges that spread oral health messages while raising money for the cause. Additionally, Nicki has published The Magic Dentist Book on Amazon to further support the charity's mission.

And that’s not all. The Magic Dentist has also teamed up with celebrity chef Alan Coxon to create a Magic Dentist Recipe Book, featuring nutritious, easy-to-make meals for children—many of whom are homeless. The book will offer simple recipes, including no-cook meals and snacks, providing a vital resource for families in need.

There’s even more magic in the works. Our charity is collaborating with Year 6 students from a local school to create the Magic Dentist Rap, a catchy tune that will go viral with oral health messages. The goal is clear: to reach as many people as possible and raise both awareness and funds for the charity.

The Magic Dentist isn’t just changing the future of children’s oral health in the UK—it is reshaping the global narrative around dental care for kids. Despite facing personal health battles, including extensive treatment for breast cancer, Nicki’s drive never wavers. She continues to lead by example, inspiring others to join her in making a tangible difference.

Nicki's work has earned her recognition and admiration from all corners of the dental community, including Dr. Ash Soneji, who describes Nicki as “nothing short of inspirational.” He believes that the Magic Dentist initiative has the potential to reduce the number of children requiring hospital treatment for preventable dental issues—a cause Nicki has made her life’s work.

Through it all, Nicki Rowland stands as a testament to what one person can do when they believe in a cause. Her journey from an ambitious dental professional to a visionary leader is proof that with passion, perseverance, and a little magic, anything is possible. The Magic Dentist is more than a charity—it’s a movement that’s changing lives, one child at a time.