A YEOVIL-based dental hygienist has made the finals of the 2025 Ms Great Britain competition – and is using her platform to raise awareness of women’s oral health and to put the spotlight on Somerset.
Rafina O’Brien has launched the When She Smiles campaign, which focusses on women’s oral health, a topic she says is “often overlooked”.
Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can all impact gum and bone health, and have even been linked to serious outcomes like low birth weight and premature birth, Rafina said.
Through education, community talks, and online awareness, she hopes to empower women to take control of their dental health.
“I believe oral health is about much more than just teeth,” she said. “It’s about confidence, wellbeing, dignity, and overall health — and everyone deserves access to that, no matter their background.”
When She Smiles is highlighting how poor oral health can affect confidence, self-esteem, and even access to opportunities — and why it’s critical that women receive the support and education they need to prioritise their dental care.
And the 38-year-old said her own journey through difficult times fuels her passion to give back.
“I’ve faced many challenges in my life, and I know how important it is to have support when you’re struggling,” she said. “That’s why I want to be there for others — to help, to educate, and to uplift those who need it most.
“I want to use this opportunity not just to raise awareness, but to give something back. I also want to represent Somerset in the best light and put our amazing community on the map at the Ms Great Britain finals.”
Last year, Rafina completed three ultra marathons in three months
As well as being a beauty queen and busy hygienist, Rafina is a proud and active Dentaid: The Dental Charity Ambassador, supporting the charity’s mission to improve access to dental care across the UK and internationally.
Dentaid operates mobile dental units, runs outreach clinics for people experiencing homelessness, and provides oral health education for vulnerable communities.
She volunteers at Dentaid mobile clinics to deliver free dental care to those in need, as well as visiting schools and community groups to teach good oral hygiene practices and undertaking a number of fundraising efforts, including recently completing three ultra marathons in three months.
As well as everything else, Rafina also served as the first dental hygienist on the world tour of HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2021, which featured in the BBC’s The Warship: Tour of duty documentary.
Now, Rafina is aiming to get out and about in Somerset in the coming weeks and months, and hopes to meet as many people as possible.
“I love meeting new people and breaking down the stigma around dental care,” she added. “If I can help just one person feel more confident about their health, it’s all worth it.”
In the run-up to the Ms Great Britain finals, she will also be raising money for Cancer Research UK and A Sisterhood, through a series of challenges and community events.
Fantastic first appointment with Rafina, I have not had the best experiences over the years with dentist/ hygienist but I would definitely rate Rafina. She explained thoroughly what to expect & some great aftercare advice.