How long have you been a dental nurse?
I have been a dental nurse for 15 years. I started out as a trainee dental nurse as soon as I finished school, at the age of 16 and I loved it from the very beginning. I had no idea how much my career would progress and what a dental nurse could achieve.
How has your career developed since then?
Well, my career has moved forward with every practice I have worked for (only 3 may I add!)
Each role has given me the confidence and skills to allow me to be where I am right now. The NHS practice I trained with was fantastic, everyone in the team encouraged me to develop and after 7 years supported my move to a well-known Scottish implant practice. This implant practice introduced me to a completely different skill set and patient experience.
What opportunities did you find there?
I was given many opportunities to grow and became an integral part of the team. I moved to London 6 years ago to become part of a West End practice and have gained my Dental Radiography and Oral Health Certificates. These qualifications have allowed me to extend my knowledge and therefore opened up many more opportunities within the practice.
What sort of cases does your practice deal with?
We treat many complex cases including head and neck cancer patients. I was given an honoury contract at UCH London and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital as a specialist dental nurse where I assist in theatres. Some of these cases can take up to 12 hours! During my time with the practice my role has evolved and I now work clinically two days a week and three days as a treatment coordinator for complex implant and reconstructive patients. This role has enabled me to still focus on patient care whilst developing a seamless patient journey. I am able to follow patients from their first consultation all through treatment. I qualified with an advanced diploma in Treatment Coordinating in March this year.
What is the company you are involved in?
Dawood and Tanner Specialist Dental Practice and Cavendish Imaging. I was at the British Dental Conference and Exhibition showcasing our Mentoring and Development Programme which I am involved in. We believe that integrating implants into your practice is an essential feature of contemporary dentistry. We mentor dentists to give them the confidence to restore implants within their practice. We start with single cases and move towards ones that they might feel at present are beyond their skill set.
What do you love about what you do?
The diversity of it all. No two days are the same. Quite simply I love taking patient's through their journey and seeing the great results at the end and all the bits in between. I am a real people person. I also love working as part of a great dynamic team.
What would you say was an obstacle for you in your career progression?
I would say a lack of confidence was always my main issue. However, I found that the more knowledge I gained the more confident I became. There is truth in the saying “ use it or lose it” Moving to London was a great personal challenge, leaving my friends and family was hard.
What advice would you give to other dental nurses who are thinking about developing their career?
Go for it! Dental nurses can often be undervalued but if you have a spark about you, you can go places! Work hard and be nice to people.
