Rodericks Dental Partners understands the invaluable role that all our dental nurses play in ensuring that patients receive exceptional care every single day. That’s why we are keen to celebrate this year’s Dental Nurses Day along with our colleagues, applauding the hard work, commitment and passion of all individuals who perform this role in our practices.
Rodericks Dental Partners spoke to two of its lead dental nurses to see how their careers have progressed so far and what they love most about their jobs.
Jessica Leese, lead dental nurse
Jessica has been the lead dental nurse at Dental Partners Conisbrough since February 2022.
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Career so far
Jessica said, “I started as an apprentice dental nurse back in 2013, qualifying in 2015. Since then, I have gained my fluoride application certificate allowing me to apply fluoride on patients from a dentist’s prescription, and my implant nursing qualification.
“Throughout my career as a dental nurse, I have gained a wide range of knowledge such as in general dentistry, implant placement and the prosthetic stages of treatment, working with foundation dentists to provide support and advice when needed.
“I am now the Lead Dental Nurse at Conisbrough, where I support my practice manager with the smooth running of the practice. This involves completing audits, ordering stock and looking after our dental nursing team. I have also taken on the role as CQC Champion to help practices with compliance in preparation for their CQC inspections. In addition, I am the area support dental nurse, for which I go out to support dental nurses in our region and provide lunch and learn training sessions. I have just started the pathway to a practice management qualification to help me become a practice manager in the future, too.”
The best thing about working as a dental nurse
Jessica responded, “My favourite part of being a dental nurse is the diversity of the role. I particularly enjoy following and being a part of the patient’s journey from start to finish, seeing the patient become more confident with their new smile.
“My favourite treatment to nurse for is implant placement, as I find this so interesting and, once the treatment is completed, it changes people’s lives.”
Greatest challenges and rewards of the role
“I always enjoy a challenge and get a great amount of job satisfaction from helping and supporting other dental nurses,” said Jessica. “Sometimes, they are apprentices gaining their qualifications or recently, I’ve been out to speak to and support other lead dental nurses, explaining the job role in more detail and offering some hints and tips to be successful.”
Working with Rodericks Dental Partners – best bits
Jessica said, “I enjoy working for Rodericks Dental Partners and particularly like the level of support I get, especially from my manager, but also from other departments within the business.”
Advice for someone just starting a career in dental nursing
“I would always encourage people to go into dentistry as it really is a great career with endless opportunities for progression,” said Jessica.
Alicia Diskin, Lead Dental Nurse
Alicia currently works at Taptonville House Dental Practice, where she started working in March 2021.
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Career so far
Alicia reflected, “I began working as a trainee dental nurse in March 2021 and qualified in December 2022. From there, I went on to work alongside my practice manger – who used to be a lead dental nurse – learning how to do most of her jobs and assist the dentist during implant procedures. I progressed to lead dental nurse myself in April 2023.”
The best thing about working as a dental nurse
“The thing I enjoy most about working as a dental nurse is that every day is different, no two days are ever the same,” Alicia said. “I also enjoy the really busy and hectic days, because you feel so productive at the end of them.”
Greatest challenges and rewards of the role
Alicia commented, “The things I tend to find most challenging yet rewarding is working with patients who have complex care needs. It’s satisfying to work with your entire team to provide the best treatment outcomes, making sure these are always within patients’ best interests.”
Working with Rodericks Dental Partners – best bits
I like the fact that there isn’t just one straight progression pathway for dental nurses. There are multiple opportunities available to us, including post-qualification additional skills, TCO roles, management roles and more.
Advice for someone just starting a career in dental nursing
“My advice to anyone getting started in a career as a dental nurse is that you need to make sure you are a punctual and organised person,” Alicia encouraged. “An organised and punctual dental nurse makes your day run much more smoothly!”
For more information Careers (rodericksdentalpartners.co.uk)