Abida qualified in Dentistry from the University of Birmingham, obtaining her BDS with Honours and a Distinction in Clinical Dentistry. She was also awarded several undergraduate prizes including the Carlton Gold Medal.
After completing a General Duties House Officer Post at the Dental Hospital, Abida completed her vocational training in the Community Dental Service in Birmingham and continues to work part time as a Community Dental Practitioner.
Abida has also worked as a Clinical Assistant in Orthodontics at Heartlands and Solihull Hospitals (1994 – 1999).
Abida first became involved in teaching when she started supervising dental students on Paediatric Outreach Placements in the Community Dental Service (which she continues to do) and in 2007, moved on to supervising students at the School of Dentistry. In 2010, she was appointed as a clinical lecturer in Paediatric Dentistry.
In 2020, Abida completed her PhD on caries prevention in children that have previously needed caries related extractions carried out under a general anaesthetic.