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!’

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!)

Dentaid, Uganda

Louise Bambrick started her career as a dental nurse with an apprenticeship in September 2010. She attended college part time and worked full time as a dental nurse. She became qualified at the age of 23 and now works full time as a dental nurse.