Getting to know... Dr Pippa Nicholls

In a feature looking at the person behind the business profile, Dr Pippa Nicholls, founder and chief executive of toothpaste firm Dimples Oral Care, talks about her route into dentistry, her passion for creativity and the pride she feels about her business’ success. 

We know you as the founder and chief executive of Dimples Oral Care, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick...

I’m a creative and hands-on person, who loves finding ways to make a real difference.

It is what drew me to dentistry – I enjoy the practical side of things and working closely with people.

But I’ve also always had that entrepreneurial itch, and I get a real buzz from coming up with ideas and turning them into something that helps others.

That’s really where Dimples started.

Outside of work, I’m all about the little things: long walks in the Yorkshire countryside, discovering cosy coffee shops and picking up new hobbies (even if I don’t always stick with them!).

I’m naturally curious, a bit of a perfectionist and I love being around people who bring good energy and fresh ideas.

Did you always want to work in oral health? 

I've always known I wanted to work in healthcare because I have a genuine passion for helping people.

I gravitated toward dentistry because it’s such a hands-on, practical field, and I’ve always been a creative person who enjoys working with my hands.

It was during my time as a dentist that the inspiration for Dimples first came to me.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst? 

The best bit is that I get to be creative every day.

Dentistry is very practically creative, but Dimples challenges me and makes me think outside the box.

I am responsible for everything, from branding and formulations to overseeing customer service.

The worst part of the job is having to be accessible a lot of the time for decision-making.

It makes it very difficult to switch off.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? 

My biggest achievement, and one I am most proud of, has been the growth of Dimples.

Less than two years ago, I was awaiting my first order of toothpaste – 10,000 tubes.

I had nightmares they’d be stored in my garage for years to come.

However, since the launch in June 2023, we have really struck a chord with the public and our sales are increasing month by month.

I am very proud to have a unique product on the market that solves an issue for people – a remineralising toothpaste using biocompatible hydroxyapatite.

Hydroxyapatite is the mineral your teeth are naturally made from, meaning we are able to strengthen and protect teeth with what is meant to be there, and without the use of fluoride, which is used in traditional toothpastes.

How do you relax outside of work? 

I love spending time outdoors, and I am very lucky to live in a beautiful part of Yorkshire.

When I’m not working, I can be found running and cold water swimming, or spending time at home with my fiancé John and our rescue lurcher Tilly.

What makes Yorkshire such a great place to live and work? 

Yorkshire is a beautiful place, with amazing scenery like the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.

There’s always something to do or explore.

For work, we’ve got great cities like Leeds and York. They’re full of opportunity, home to loads of growing industries and really well connected – London’s just a train ride away.

But the best thing about Yorkshire? The people.

Folks here are friendly, honest and hardworking.

There’s a real sense of community, and everyone looks out for each other.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know… 

I love to travel and have visited 35 countries across the world.

I aim to visit a new country each year.

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