A place to grow with mydentist - Dental Nurse training success

Two years ago we created our own Student Dental Nurse programme and the Academy was approved by the NEBDN to be a training provider to deliver the National Diploma in Dental Nursing.

Our first students sat their exam in Nov 17/Jan 18 – achieving a 95% pass rate compared to the national average of 65% - and we held a graduation for them during the summer. These dental nurses were also the first to benefit from a qualification bonus as part of our major investment in our nurses pay.

With a clear progression path in place, many of these new dental nurses are now working towards further qualifications and taking on greater responsibility in their roles.

One such example is Amy Safrany from Sheffield. She graduated in July, yet has already progressed to head nurse and is mentoring other dental nurses in training. We interviewed her to find out more about her career path and future plans…

What made you want to become a dental nurse?

I previously worked in theatres as a HCA where I worked in day surgery. We used to do two lists a week of oral surgery and max fax there and it was my favourite speciality. The oral surgeon used to comment that I should be a dental nurse as I was familiar with the instruments and materials and good at comforting and communicating with patients. So that's what I did! I came to the company as I could get paid whilst learning and working which appealed to me rather than going back into education as I had a mortgage.

How did you hear about the mydentist course at The Academy?

I heard about the mydentist course from a friend of mine who was a receptionist at the company and recommended me when I told her I wanted to be a dental nurse.

How did you find the training?

I found the training to be very interesting and informative and learnt a lot both at the Academy and in practice from my colleagues and mentor. Especially the dentist who I worked with who was also my witness. He is very experienced and full of knowledge and kindly spent lots of time in answering my many questions! This built on my existing experience well and I enjoyed both the practical and the theory. It was also nice to go to the academy and meet other students in the same boat.

Did you feel confident about taking your exams last November?

I did feel confident when my exams came around as I had studied hard, especially for the theory. I had lots of helpful revision tips which I now pass on to other trainees! However, I was nervous when it came to the practical exam. I didn't know what to expect as I had never done anything like it before. But I felt better after the mock exam and feel this prepared me well.

You’ve quickly become a head nurse and are mentoring others. How did it happen so quickly and how did mydentist support you?

I have a very supportive manager and I had mentioned to him in my previous PDPs that my goal was to progress to head nurse and maybe one day management. He was always positive and encouraging about this and said he felt confident that I would make it one day, although I didn’t expect it to be this soon! I feel that he recognised my hard work, previous experience and my work ethic and when a position came up, I was invited to apply. I had already taken on some senior roles at this point such as mentoring, which I feel prepared me.

What are your future career goals?

One day I would like to progress to Practice Management as I feel that I can make a difference leading a team and supporting my colleagues. But for now I am enjoying my new role!

Did you know?

We now have more than 700 students on our programme. We continue to offer post qualification training for our Qualified Nurses in areas such as Radiography, Sedation, and Impression Taking to provide an exceptional level of service to our dentists and to our patients.

There has never been a better time to join mydentist, we’re on an amazing journey and it really is only just beginning. If you are interested in becoming a Dental Nurse and would like to find out more about the role and our latest vacancies, please click here.