Dr Varkha Rattu qualified from Queen Mary University of London in 2018. She then undertook the part-time, four-year periodontology postgraduate programme at King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital and graduated with distinction. Here, she focused on managing complex periodontal cases and actively engaged in research, which she finds deeply fulfilling.
Her commitment to excellence has been recognised with several accolades, including two prestigious awards from the British Society of Periodontology and Implantology (BSP). The BSP Audit Award celebrated her work in integrating a periodontal review as part of diabetes consultations and reviews. This initiative led to the creation of the nationally recognised ‘Periodontitis and Diabetes: Your Guide to Better Gum Health’ leaflet. Following this, she was awarded the BSP Systematic Review Prize for her high-calibre research, conducted in collaboration with world-renowned periodontists. This was subsequently published in the highly esteemed Journal of Clinical Periodontology.
Dr Rattu’s pioneering efforts in introducing diabetes HbA1c point-of-care testing into private dental practice have positioned her as one of the first in the UK to offer this service as part of periodontal consultations. By addressing the profound implications of diabetes on periodontal health, she has incorporated co-management strategies that benefit her patients. As a result, Dr Rattu is frequently invited to share her insights on periodontitis and systemic health nationally.
Passionate about bridging the gap between medical and dental care, she subsequently founded the Periodontitis-Diabetes Hub. This educational initiative aims to improve awareness of the critical intersection of periodontitis and diabetes, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Through this work, she continues to make significant contributions to research, education, and patient care.
