Inspirational Dental Nurse Story: From First Job to Advisor
Starting out nearly 40 years ago, Sarah’s journey into dentistry started with a series of twists and turns. Through a Youth Training Scheme (YTS), she was first placed as a receptionist at a solicitor’s office. But, when the team realised they didn’t have anyone available to train her, they reconsidered her placement. Instead, Sarah was offered a position to dental nurse at a local practice. It wasn’t the path she envisioned, but it turned out to be exactly where she was meant to be.
👩⚕️The call to dental nursing
The one-year YTS placement flew by, and its end left Sarah devastated. But her dedication and potential had not gone unnoticed, and fate intervened again. The practice’s principal dentist saw her potential and offered her a position casting dental impressions, mending dentures, and filing – as Sarah affectionately phrased it: the all-important “general dogsbody” role! She loved every minute.
Six months later, when a dental nurse left the practice, she stepped seamlessly into the role. This marked the true beginning of a clinical career that would span nearly four decades. Remaining at the same practice for ten years, Sarah built skills, knowledge, and confidence, before taking a short career break to raise her young family. Later, after taking time for her young family, a new practice opened in town, inviting her to help establish and grow the business as Lead Nurse.
🪜 Climbing the Ladder
Motivated by a desire to work closer to home, Sarah moved to a referral practice providing her exposure to implants, orthodontics, and surgical procedures, expanding her clinical expertise. When an associate left and started his own practice, he invited Sarah to become Lead Nurse & Compliance Lead in this new practice.
The next step? Practice Management. Her experience made her a natural fit, though her first role felt more like a Lead Receptionist position. But she didn’t settle. Another opportunity came along, a Practice Manger position offering her extensive finance, compliance, and HR training, allowing her to fully take charge of the practice.
🌟 Leadership & Growth
As her reputation grew, another associate departed and invited her to manage a dental practice with full autonomy – an opportunity Sarah embraced. Eventually, as the company expanded, a maternity cover position opened up, and Sarah stepped up to dual-site management, balancing two locations over two years.
Joining Todays Dental
When that practice joined Todays Dental, she saw an opportunity to support other practice managers. When the perfect role presented itself, she was first in line! Now, as Practice Support Advisor, Sarah:
- Works with the operations team
- Advising & coaches Practice Managers
- Develops and delivers training programs
- Liaising with training providers
- Collaborates on PM conferences & training videos
- Promotes Todays Dental’s culture across the group through training
Advice for the Next Generation of Dental Nurses
“Enjoy every minute! It may take time to go up the ladder, but the experience and knowledge you gain whilst climbing that ladder, really helps you understand your role moving forward. Don’t give up! If you want something bad enough, it will happen.”
Sarah, Practice Support Advisor
Sarah’s story is more than a timeline of roles. It’s a testament to resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning. From an unexpected YTS placement to a leadership role supporting a national network of practices, she has never stopped evolving – and she continues to lift others as she climbs.
Sarah is a shining example of where a dental career can take you – and how far passion and perseverance can go.
💡 Thinking About a Career in Dentistry?
Whether you’re just starting out or returning to the profession, Todays Dental’s paid Dental Nurse Work Experience programme could be your perfect first step to a bright career.
This opportunity is ideal if you’re:
- considering a future in dentistry
- a qualified nurse looking to re-join the profession
- exploring new career paths and open to something hands-on and rewarding
You’ll gain real, paid experience in a supportive, patient-focused environment – designed to help you decide if a career in dental nursing is right for you.
👉 Read more about the placement in our dedicated blog: Dental Nurse Work Experience
Take the first step and apply here to dental nurse:
Apply here: Work Experience Application Form
