In this episode of the BEYOUROWN Meets interview series, we’re joined by Dr. Hannah Kinsella, a distinguished dental professional and entrepreneur. Hannah holds a BDS and MEDS from Edinburgh, as well as an MSc in Prosthodontics, and is the founder of both Kiln Lane Dental Clinic and Icy Bear Dental Care. Beyond her clinical expertise, she is also a familiar face from ITVBe’s The Real Housewives of Cheshire and has cultivated a strong online following. With a dedication to excellence, Hannah ensures the highest standards of care at her clinics while championing responsible beauty through Icy Bear Dental Care, a luxury at-home whitening brand committed to being palm oil-free, SLS-free, and cruelty-free.
You’re a highly qualified clinician navigating a world where ‘influencer dentistry’ often overshadows evidence-based practice. What’s the most harmful myth circulating in cosmetic dentistry right now — and why do you think women, in particular, are targeted by it?
One of the most damaging myths is the idea that cosmetic dentistry is a quick fix and that you can transform your smile overnight without considering long-term oral health. Social media often presents treatments as trends rather than medical procedures, and that’s where people, especially women, get misled. Women are targeted because they’re already under huge pressure to look a certain way, and marketing taps into that. In reality, proper cosmetic dentistry is planned, measured, and rooted in protecting the teeth first. Confidence shouldn’t come at the cost of your health.
The aesthetics and dental industries are often accused of profiting from women’s insecurities. As a founder and a practitioner, how do you navigate the tension between empowering women through confidence and the accusation that brands like yours are ‘selling perfection’?
My focus has always been on education and informed choice. I don’t sell perfection, I sell healthy, achievable results backed by science. When a patient understands what a treatment involves and how it supports their oral health, the decision becomes empowering rather than reactive. With Icy Bear, it’s the same principle of safe, evidence-based products that help people feel more confident in their everyday routines. It’s not about creating insecurities; it’s about giving women tools that support their wellbeing.
You’ve built both a clinic and a product line while being on a major reality TV show — roles that invite admiration and criticism. What’s one misconception about you as a businesswoman that you feel only exists because you’re a woman in the public eye?
There’s an assumption that if you care about aesthetics, glamour, or presenting yourself well, you can’t also be clinical, strategic, or commercially sharp. That’s a misconception I’ve dealt with for years. People don’t tend to question a male surgeon or founder for being ambitious, but women often have to justify it. The truth is, I run a clinic, a growing brand, and a team with the same professionalism and discipline I bring to dentistry. The image is just one small part; the work speaks for itself.
Luxury at-home whitening has exploded, but there’s still skepticism about safety and efficacy. What corners do you see competitors cutting that you believe put women at risk — and why do you refuse to compromise on certain standards at Icy Bear?
The biggest issue is products being brought to market without proper clinical testing or transparency around ingredients. Whitening is safe when it’s regulated, but untested formulas, poorly made strips, or devices with no data behind them can cause real damage. At Icy Bear, everything is evidence-led. The formulations are scientifically developed, they’re safe for enamel, and they’re simple for consumers to use correctly. If I won’t use it myself or recommend it to a patient, it doesn’t go into our product line.
Women founders are often expected to be both ‘palatable’ and ‘perfect’ while leading. What’s one leadership decision you’ve made that was unpopular, misunderstood, or publicly questioned — and why was it absolutely the right one for you and your business?
Early on, I decided to keep Icy Bear rooted in professional dentistry rather than chasing trends for quick wins. Some people felt it would limit the brand’s growth, but it’s the reason we now have the trust we do. Staying clinically led, even when it wasn’t the fastest route, protected the integrity of the brand. In hindsight, it was the best possible decision.
