“When I reflect on my journey to becoming a Dental Nurse, I’m reminded of how transformative the past few years have been.”
Starting as a Health Care Assistant, I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but it wasn’t until I embarked on a Level 3 Dental Nursing Apprenticeship with Tempdent that I discovered my true calling.
My apprenticeship was a challenging but rewarding experience. I was fortunate to have a fantastic mentor in my Practice Manager at Bupa Dental Care Shaftesbury, who saw my determination from the start. Here is where I began my Level 3 Dental Nursing Apprenticeship, and under my Practice Manager’s guidance, I quickly gained confidence and became a competent trainee Dental Nurse.
However, life threw me a curveball - I needed to relocate my whole family across the country due to family work commitments (my husband is a Royal Marine). Despite the upheaval, I was determined to finish my apprenticeship and reach my goal of becoming a qualified Dental Nurse, and I was thrilled to secure a new role in Taunton, at Bridge Street Dental Care, part of the Portman Dentex group.
Here comes the next curveball! Just two months after joining my new team, a fire broke out in a neighbouring restaurant, spreading to the dental practice and forcing its closure. The impact was devastating, displacing staff and patients to other practices. Determined to complete my training, I navigated the rest of my apprenticeship across various practices within the Portman Dentex group. I even completed my End Point Assessment with a dentist I’d never worked with before, in a practice I’d never set foot in. It wasn’t easy, but it all paid off - and I was on my way to becoming a fully qualified and GDC-registered Dental Nurse!
Just before qualifying, I came across an opening at Musgrove Park Hospital - a dream opportunity for someone who had always aspired to work in a hospital setting. I decided to go for it and was overjoyed when I got the news that I’d been successful. Starting my new role as a Dental Nurse in the hospital, even before qualifying, was a huge personal achievement!
Fast forward a couple of months and I learned about an opening in the Maxillofacial, Restorative, and Orthodontic Department at the same hospital -my dream role. Here, I had some fantastic opportunities that have shaped my career even further.
The transition from working as a trainee in a dental practice to working in a hospital was both exciting and daunting. At Musgrove Park, I found myself in a dynamic environment where I could put my skills to use and continue learning every day. Our department supports diverse specialties, including maxillofacial services, restorative dentistry, and orthodontics. From assisting in minor oral surgeries to preparing patients for radiotherapy, every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to learn.
Growing as a professional
A highlight of my role, whilst completing my Tempdent Dental Nursing apprenticeship, has been applying the restorative and orthodontic knowledge I have been learning. This has been particularly valuable in supporting our restorative dental team, where we care for patients undergoing rehabilitation after head and neck cancer or dealing with conditions like hypodontia. I’ve also had the opportunity to support post-operative patients - a role that requires not only technical skill but also empathy, drawing on my apprenticeship skills where these appointments can be emotionally intense.
Additionally, a personal highlight of mine has been helping new staff through their induction program. Guiding new recruits and sharing my insights into the expectations and responsibilities of dental nursing has been incredibly fulfilling.
Being able to mentor our current Apprentice Dental Nurse has been another highlight of my career so far. Having walked the same path, I understand the challenges of balancing coursework, clinical responsibilities and life outside of this. I enjoy sharing tips and encouraging our apprentice through their journey, and seeing their growth reminds me of how far I’ve come.
Embracing New Opportunities
This year, I’ve pushed myself to take on new challenges. I’ve performed as a second assistant in theatre during a neck dissection procedure, a role that’s expanded my skills in oral surgery nursing.
Reflecting on my journey, I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far during my apprenticeship. Moving my family across the country while completing my studies in many different dental practices wasn’t easy, but it’s made me more resilient. I’ve learned to seize every opportunity that comes my way.
Looking ahead, I must now navigate a new change in my life as we have made the decision to relocate back to our hometown, to be closer to family and friends. Whilst I have loved my role and found a true sense of purpose at Musgrove Park Hospital, I am using this move to create new opportunities for myself to continue growing professionally within an agency.
I’m excited to build on my apprenticeship skills and take on even more responsibility. I would love to become an assessor alongside my Dental Nursing roles, to help others who are completing their apprenticeships and training in the dental sector.
I am incredibly excited about my career ahead and the directions it can take me. For anyone considering a career in dental nursing, I hope my story shows that with determination, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, anything is possible.
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