Llanbedr Drama Student Changes Career Path to Become Dental Nurse
A drama student turned dental nurse is all smiles after completing her apprenticeship. Emily Owen studied drama and theatre studies at university, but struggled to find a job afterwards. Now she is celebrating the end of her apprenticeship in dental nursing. Emily decided to start the programme when her mum, who works at the local job centre, spotted the opening.
At first, Emily admitted she was reluctant to consider the nursing apprenticeship. Having studied drama at Aberystwyth University, dentistry was something she had never thought about, especially as she never looked forward to going to the dentist as a teenager. After hearing of the opportunity at the job centre, Emily’s mum put the idea forward and Emily started a six month placement at Oasis Dental Care in Penrhyndeudraeth.
Emily said that the placement was challenging, especially as it threw her in at the deep end. Yet after a few weeks, when she had found her feet and got used to the environment, she started to enjoy it. At the end of her six month placement, the practice asked her to consider staying on to undertake a level 3 apprenticeship in dental nursing. Emily was thrilled at the opportunity and started the 18 month programme. The programme was provided by Tooth Fairies, a specialist dental training provider.
Emily said the apprenticeship was informative and a great way to develop skills. You learn on the job and get a real sense of what happens from day to day in a dental clinic.
Emily successfully completed her apprenticeship in November last year and has since moved to Swansea. She now works as a dental nurse at Kee Dental Care on the university campus. She loves her new job, even though it can be very busy and hectic at times and she’s glad she decided to give dentistry a go.
Join this Discussion