My dental journey began in 2015 when I joined the BSc Dental Hygiene and Therapy course at the University of Birmingham. I learnt about the career through my sister, who had graduated as a hygienist a few years before. I completed work experience, whilst doing my A-Levels, at a local dental practice (where I now work, a real full-circle moment) which confirmed it was the right career for me.

A career in dentistry wasn’t something I had ever considered. Initially, I wanted to be a surgeon or a police officer … I know two roles that are poles apart from each other. However, despite being classed as above average academically, there were too many shiny things that distracted me, and I didn’t achieve the grades required for either of those careers. 

So many articles have been written about dental nurses, their career journeys, their further education and their professional achievements. They are all very inspiring and we do need that.

I left school at eighteen, not knowing which career path to take. All I knew was that I wanted to go into a field that involved working with people. I took a receptionist job at a local dental practice, and it was then that I realised I wanted to pursue a career in dentistry. I enjoyed the patient interaction and seeing how dentistry can have a huge impact on people’s lives. After a couple of years of working on reception, I was given the opportunity to begin a dental nursing course and take a more hands-on approach. 

When did you start working as an orthodontic nurse?

In the year 2000!