Emma John is the Business Manager of Absolute Dental Practice and Absolute Dental Training. The Practice is a multi-award winning practice which has won several accolades over the years including Best Dental Support Team and Best Practice, and Emma personally received the Practice Manager of the Year award (twice). Emma John started her career young as a dental nurse and down to ambition and hard work has climbed the career ladder to achieve flourishing success.

My career in dentistry began in 2001 when I became a trainee dental nurse. Whilst working in professional practice I have gained my NEBDN qualifications in dental nursing, radiography and a dental care coordination diploma. My passion for education and my profession has continued throughout this period, culminating in my decision to undertake a degree.

Through recording my experiences for Dental Nurse Network, I hope to inspire other dental care professionals (DCPs) to further their education and achieve all they can.

DNN launched ‘Dental Nurse of the Year’ in 2010. It is an annual occasion for colleagues and practices to show appreciation and support for someone they believe has been an outstanding dental nurse. DNN received lots of nominations, all honest, engaging and inspirational stories. It has been an opportunity for dental nurses and other dental health care professionals to stand back and show recognition and appreciation for all the hard work that lots of dental nurses do.

Orthodontic Therapists assist dentists in completing orthodontic treatment as well as carrying out specific parts of orthodontic treatment (under the prescription from a dentist)themselves. The patient is always under the care of their Orthodontists. Orthodontic Therapists also support patients and conduct emergency assistance by relieving pain or making, inserting or removing appliances safely. To train as an Orthodontic Therapist you must be qualified in dental nursing, dental hygiene, dental therapy or dental technology.

Felicity Cleaver began her career as a dental nurse at the age of 19. She initially had plans to become a general nurse but decided to get into dental nursing instead.

‘I had always dreamed of nursing, as a child I wanted to be a paediatric nurse but as I got older I didn’t think I would be able to emotionally deal with it. So when I saw an advert in the local paper for a Trainee Dental Nurse, I thought it would be perfect as I could become a nurse but the hours would be more sociable!’