About Dr Matthew Holder
Dr Matthew Holder is a UK-trained dentist with a broad clinical background across hospital dentistry, community practice, and rural dentistry overseas. His career has been shaped by a strong commitment to clinical excellence, adaptability, and the belief that gaining experience across different healthcare systems makes better, more confident dentists.
Dr Matthew Holder gained extensive oral surgery experience working across several leading hospitals in London. During this time, he routinely managed complex extractions, surgical removal of impacted teeth, oral biopsies, and acute dental emergencies. Working in high-pressure hospital environments developed strong clinical judgement, technical confidence, and the ability to make safe decisions under pressure.
Alongside oral surgery, Dr Matthew Holder worked in oral medicine and oral pathology, gaining experience in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of oral mucosal disease and potentially malignant disorders. This included the evaluation of oral lesions, involvement in biopsy pathways, and managing patients with complex medical histories. This work reinforced the importance of thorough examination, early detection, and risk-based clinical decision making.
He also gained experience in paediatric dentistry and orthodontics at a major London hospital, working with anxious children and providing care under sedation and general anaesthetic. These roles strengthened his communication skills and highlighted the importance of empathy, prevention, and multidisciplinary working when treating younger and more vulnerable patients.
Dr Matthew Holder later took these skills abroad, working in rural New Zealand to serve a remote community with limited access to dental care. Practising in this environment required a broad scope of dentistry, clinical independence, and a strong sense of responsibility to the local population. This experience proved professionally defining and deepened his understanding of the challenges and rewards of overseas dental practice.
Working internationally had a lasting impact on Dr Matthew Holder’s view of the profession. He strongly believes that UK dentists benefit greatly from spending time working abroad, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, where clinical standards are high and dentists are given greater professional autonomy. Many of the dentists he now supports are seeking the same balance, development, and career satisfaction he experienced firsthand.
As a result of his own journey, Dr Holder founded Holder dental recruitment a clinically led recruitment company specialising in helping UK dentists relocate overseas.
Unlike traditional recruitment agencies, the company is built on genuine clinical insight. Dr Holder works directly with dentists considering international moves, offering realistic guidance and supporting placements that prioritise long-term career development rather than short-term vacancies.
The company is now widely recognised for supporting UK Dentists move to Australia and New Zealand. Book Online.
Dr Matthew Holder’s aim remains simple: to help dentists broaden their horizons, develop confidence across different healthcare systems, and access high-quality overseas opportunities, guided by someone who understands dentistry from the inside.
