Dental Nurse to Deputy PM: 25 Incredible Years in Dentistry!
Like many of us, Katherine wasn’t entirely sure what direction to go in after leaving college. But as she was flicking through a newspaper, something about an advert for a dental nurse opening caught her eye. Little did she know that this moment would be what set her up for a thriving 25-year career in dentistry.
👩‍⚕️Making her mark
Starting as a dental nurse, she quickly adapted to the fast-paced environment of a busy practice. Whether assisting chairside, organising instruments, or ensuring patients felt at ease, she loved the variety of the role. Always eager to help where needed, she frequently stepped in to cover reception, giving her insight into the administrative side of dentistry.
At one point, to manage the overwhelming volume of calls at the front desk, she even took on the role of practice telephonist – a significant responsibility that helped improve patient experience as well as practice efficiency. These experiences would later prove invaluable as she progressed in her career.
🪜 Progressing to TCO
After years of nursing, she found her niche in patient communication, transitioning into a Treatment Coordinator role – a position she held for a decade.🤯This role allowed her to work closely with patients, guiding them through their treatment plans, answering questions, and ensuring they felt confident in their decisions.
This period was instrumental in her career, giving her a deeper understanding of patient care, practice management, and business operations. It was no longer just about chairside assistance – it was about creating a seamless, supportive experience for every patient who walked through the door.
🌟 Leadership & Growth
With years of experience under her belt, the opportunity arose to step into practice management – a whole new challenge that brought a fresh perspective on dentistry. Accepting the Assistant Manager position pushed her outside her comfort zone, as she now had to focus on the business, operational, and leadership aspects of running a practice.
Managing the day-to-day operations, supporting the team, and ensuring everything runs smoothly has been a rewarding challenge. While the role required learning “the tricks of the trade” from a completely different angle, she was ready to take it on.
Advice for the Next Generation of Dental Nurses
“Just know that dentistry can open many many doors and is full of opportunities. It really is a fantastic career path if you love to help people!!”
Katherine, Deputy Practice Manager
We couldn’t agree more – there are endless opportunities from clinical roles to leadership positions. And as the industry is constantly evolving, you’ll never be short of new areas to explore.
đź’ˇ 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
