So Shelley, tell me a bit about your career background?
I worked for 10 years in sales, administration and recruitment. I gained experience in various sectors and genres ranging from medicine, motoring and telecomes. I was working from business to business. I enjoyed my work but I started to get a bit bored of always trying to sell things to people. I wanted a change and so I took up a job as a dental receptionist. I had always been interested in dentistry but never really taken the opportunity. I instantly loved working in the dentistry industry.
Did you feel that your previous work experience has helped you?
Definitely. You don’t always think the things you do will benefit you in the future or in other aspects of your life but all roles and skills can be applied. All experiences will help you, good or bad. For example, if you had a bad experience working with a manager you can take this experience and reflect on why it was bad and help it motivate you on your own managerial skills or in other skills. Your previous experience should never be disregarded.
How did you progress into dental nursing after being a dental receptionist?
It was whilst working as a receptionist that I got the opportunity to get experience chair side assisting. These were in the days when nurses were not registered. The dentist I worked for was extremely enthusiastic and encouraged me to become a dental nurse. I applied to Bristol Dental Hospital School for DCPs and was accepted on a two year training course with hands on experience working with dental students, specialists and consultants. It is a teaching hospital so I had the benefit of a wide range of teaching. I gained so much experience in areas such as oral surgery, implants, theatre, prosthetics, general dentistry, emergency care, orthodontics and pediatric dentistry. I feel so proud of all my achievements.
What did you do next?
I then took up a role working with foundation dentists, with my experiences with students it was an ideal role to step into. I also took training in legionella management. I then moved practices and eventually became head nurse. The more nursing I did, the more I fell in love of it.
What sorts of responsibilities did you have in the role of head nurse?
I was dealing with ordering, triage and administration. I saw the whole story. It was at this time that my practice was in need of a new manager and I recognised that I could bring my skills and experience to a new and challenging role. I met with my principle dentist who was really supportive and fully supported my ambition. Together we found a course through The Dentistry Business who offered Level 4 and Level 7 Training, fully accredited by the University of Chester.
Can you tell me a bit more about your course?
I attend this course monthly in London. It is here I study with other likeminded nurses and dentists to supplement my learning. I am due to complete 3 x 4000 word assessments this year based on recruitment, leadership and management. The writing process really helps you to reflect on your current practice processes. Writing it all down and taking it in really helps me. I would recommend nurses to write a reflective learning diary, this way you are learning things and realising this on a daily basis. It allows you to review yourself and help to develop yourself further.
The course is not easy and it is a real challenge but I am enjoying it immensely. I learn more every day. I am currently undertaking three modules: Planning and Control in Practice, Managing people and Developing Teamwork and Creating a Service Led Practice. This is what I am covering this year. I personally chose the two year course because the second year is supplemented by a student loan and you gain 120 UCAS points which can be transferable towards a degree. You don’t have to do it at this level but I felt this one was right for me. There are lots of courses out there and many companies that offer them.
Do you work at the same time?
Yes, I work alongside my principal dentist as a trainee practice manager and apply my skills and knowledge on a daily basis. I deal with information governance, staffing, health and safety, administration and policy creation - there is so much to learn and do and the best thing is that I am still able to nurse. We have also recently taken on a wonderful trainee for whom I am mentor and link trainer. I have found that my many roles all interlink and make my every working day varied, challenging and exciting.
How would you describe the role of a practice manager?
Managing is not about barking orders it is about applying leadership, it is about administration and communication. It is all about recognising the skills you have. I will never let anyone tell me they are just a dental nurse. There are many, many skills that dental nurses have and don’t realise they have even gained them. I would always say to people, 'don’t under estimate yourself.'
What made you decide to pursue the practice management role and still work as a dental nurse?
I know I’m a good nurse and I’m passionate about it but I had also noticed I had a naturally administrative side. In my current role, within 6 months of starting I ended up taking charge of ordering and more and more responsibilities came my way. I took on all these roles and it seemed to all come together.
How do you cope if you get stressed?
I have very supportive colleagues and a great principle dentist who I can lean on. I often find myself taking a step back when I am feeling overwhelmed. I think about where I am and how far I’ve come. Sometimes it can feel like you aren’t achieving anything but this isn’t true. You have to take smalls steps at a time and learn not to put too much pressure on yourself. I have to remind myself I am still learning, I am not a superhero and that no one is expecting me to be one! I think the main thing is not to be afraid of getting things wrong because everyone is going to make mistakes and it is about learning from these mistake, not dwelling on them.
Best part of the job?
So varied. I love this about it. I learn something new every single day. My days are so varied and different, anything can happen. I have always enjoyed this element of nursing and now my job is even more varied, exciting and even unusual at times.
What advice and tips would you give to dental nurse wanting to pursue a career in practice management?
If you are hoping to move into management I believe that nurses are ideal as we have the underpinning knowledge of dentistry. We understand the needs of the business as a whole. Experience in administration, recruitment and leadership is ideal but sometimes as with many roles, you can learn these skills. It is about the attitude you have that gives you the edge to move forward. Don’t estimate the work in involved. The dream job doesn’t necessarily exist, you have to make it exist. You have to have thick skin, learn to be diplomatic in your approach and prioritise!
