Dental nursing is so much more than chairside assistance. It’s a dynamic, rewarding career filled with opportunities for growth, leadership and real impact. We had the opportunity to learn about Chloe Keeling and felt her journey was inspiring to say the least: her path from starting as a trainee to becoming a lead dental nurse, treatment coordinator, sedation nurse, trainer and charity advocate proves that dental nursing can open doors to incredible possibilities.
Since starting her dental nursing career in 2015, Chloe quickly realised that the profession had so much more to offer than she had initially imagined. Over the years, she has embraced different opportunities to expand her skills and add to her original dental nursing qualification. Chloe has had varied experience during her time as a dental nurse, including assisting with dental implants, periodontics, leading a team of dental nurses and even becoming a treatment coordinator. Her dedication to patient care, compliance and innovation has led her to become a key figure at Bancroft Dentistry, where she not only supports patients but also ensures the practice runs smoothly behind the scenes.
But Chloe didn’t stop there – she reflected on the knowledge she had gained and her skillset and continued to push the boundaries of what a dental nurse could achieve.
Sedation nursing, and in particular cannulation, became a passion for Chloe. With a keen interest in making anxious patients feel at ease, she completed her sedation training with Roy Bennett at Mellow Dental before pursuing extensive training in IV conscious sedation, earning a NEBDN certificate in sedation and assisting in countless cases. Yet she noticed a gap: many dental nurses weren’t trained or confident in cannulation, a crucial skill in sedation dentistry.
Determined to change that, she founded ‘Cannulation with Chloe’, an initiative designed to empower dental nurses with hands-on training and theoretical knowledge. By becoming a certified vein trainer, she now helps nurses gain the confidence to take on more responsibility and enhance patient safety. This is proof that dental nurses aren’t limited to their traditional roles; they can be educators, innovators and leaders in their field.
While excelling in her clinical and teaching roles, Chloe also dedicates time to giving back. From organising charity events to volunteering in Kenya with Dentaid, she has shown that even in a busy career, there is always room to make a difference. Her belief? Every dental nurse should take the opportunity to volunteer at least once. It's a life-changing experience that deepens one’s appreciation for the profession.
Her passion for charity work extends to her own practice, where she ensures that giving back remains a priority. Whether it’s a Macmillan Cancer Support fundraiser or a British Heart Foundation initiative, she encourages every dental nurse to get involved. If you’re new to the profession, take this as your sign that even the smallest effort can create a big impact.
Your Career, Your Journey – No Limits!
The most inspiring lesson from Chloe’s journey? There are no limits to what a dental nurse can achieve. Whether you’re just starting out or are years into the profession, the opportunities are endless. You can:
- Specialise in advanced areas.
- Lead and manage a dental practice.
- Educate and train fellow dental professionals.
- Organise and lead charity initiatives.
Chloe’s story is a testament to the power of passion, continuous learning and a willingness to step outside the traditional dental nursing role.
So, to every dental nurse reading this, the world is your oyster! Whether your dream is to master a new skill, teach others or make a difference in communities near and far, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Take that next step – you never know where it might lead!
Thank you, Chloe, for sharing your story.
Chloe has courses running in May, June and July 2025 so get in touch with her if you are interested:
https://www.instagram.com/cannulationwithchloe
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