How did you first start out as a dental nurse?
I trained in South Africa and first became a qualified dental nurse in 2001. I decided to move to London in 2004 when I was twenty four to get more exposure in the dentistry industry. In London, you get to work with more specialist dentists. I wanted to get the work experience and I really wanted to travel. I wanted to become more open-minded and to see what was out there in the world.
What was different about dental nursing in South Africa and dental nursing in London?
The main difference is that in South Africa training is full time; you have to go to university to become a qualified dental nurse. Here, in London, you have more options; you can train at your own pace or trained full time.
Where did you enjoy being a dental nurse more, South Africa or London?
I definitely enjoyed being a dental nurse more in London. Living in London as a dental nurse you realise there is a vast and engaging network of dental professionals. Specialists are nearby and there is more of an exposure in the industry as a whole. There is a vast range of different cultures, personalities and careers routes one can take.
What did you enjoy most about being a dental nurse?
My favourite part about being a dental nurse was the relationships I had with patients. I enjoyed being considerate towards them and helping them to understand what a treatment was. Often dentists don’t explain to patients the treatments that are being carried out. As a dental nurse you can reassure and put patients at ease with your knowledge and care.
What did you enjoy least about being a dental nurse?
You don’t get paid enough for the amount you put in and your responsibilities. Especially today with the CQC regulations. If you’re a good nurse you should be rewarded for it.
So what do you do these days?
I now own my own business which involves recruiting dental nurses, receptionist, practice managers and hygienists for high end dental practices.
How did your business come about?
I wanted to improve the way dental nurses get treated. I originally wanted to have a massive event where lots of dental nurses could meet. My business partner and I decided the best way to do this was to build a website. We realised there was no place for dental nurses to go to find out information about their scope of practice, career development options, the mandatory training and qualifications and courses they can enroll on. I wanted to improve the quality for dental nurses in their environments. We gained interest very quickly and found lots of nurses coming together. Our Facebook group in particular really helped kick this off.
How is your business doing today?
I now focus 100% on recruitment. I have a strong belief that with my experience in dentistry, I am capable of putting the right people in the right places. I want to help improve practices. Nurses with the right experience can be matched to the right dentists and the right areas.
Do you miss being a dental nurse?
Yes, at first I did miss being a dental nurse but I get more pleasure out of what I do now: career development and improvement. I have a passion for advising dentists on how to improve their businesses. Dentists are there to treat patients, so dental nurses sometimes get forgotten about. My main aim is to find out how dentists and dental nurses think, what they are looking for, what type of dentist or nurse they are and who or where they are looking for.
What advice would you offer to nurses wanting to develop in their careers?
Be patient. If you can think of something that could improve the industry or a shortage of something then act, don’t just think about it. If you put your mind to it, you can do it but you’ve got to have the passion to do it, whatever that may be.
Visit: DentalRecruitNetwork http://www.dentalrecruitnetwork.co.uk/ to find out more.
