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Learning with us

We chatted with Sapphire to give potential learners an in-sight into online learning as a dental nurse.

WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN BECOMING A DENTAL NURSE?

I wanted to become a Dental Nurse because there are fantastic progression paths within the industry through further training.

I have always been fascinated by the mouth and teeth, and enjoy making others smile! Therefore, I knew dentistry was the career path for me.

HOW DID YOU FIND MANAGING YOUR TIME AT WORK AROUND STUDYING AT HOME?

I work Monday – Friday 9-6 which are quite common hours in the dental world. At first, I did struggle with the balance of studying, writing Practical Experience Record Sheets (PERS) as part of my Record of Experience (ROE) as well as ensuring my dental nursing was kept to a high standard.

However, Erica created a structured plan to help us stay on track. It made the work load more focused and ensured that every topic was covered. I therefore was able to concentrate at work and develop my skills without stressing about work and studying.

This then had a positive outlook on the course and my learning experience as I was more engaged and increased my productivity.

HOW MUCH TIME A WEEK WAS NEEDED TO COMPLETE YOUR RECORD OF EXPERIENCE?

Following on from Erica’s revision plan, to finish by July, we aimed for 3 PERS or Supplementary outcomes (SO’S) per week. For me personally, each PER would take around 2 hours. This is because I was very detailed with my written assignments and enjoyed explaining what I had learnt. I am aware that other students don’t always take this long it depends on the learner.

Although the days were long, it was completely worth the extra effort. By July I had finished my ROE and was able to enjoy August off which included of, drinking lots of Prosecco and having fun in the sun with my boyfriend, family and friends.

HOW WAS IT LEARNING ONLINE?

At first I would have preferred to have the learning environment face to face as I wanted to meet other trainee nurses. However, after a few months went on I was very happy it was online. It was more convenient and you were able to watch the lectures as many times as you wish as they are recorded with voiceovers for each slide. With the power of social media, I was able to keep in contact with the other nurses and although we hadn’t met, it felt like we were all great friends and were able to support one another.

HOW DID YOU FIND THE SUPPORT IN YOUR PRACTICE DURING THE COMPLETION OF YOUR ROE, WHAT DID THE PRACTICE HAVE TO DO TO SUPPORT YOU?

I am very lucky with the practice I work at. It’s more of a family than work colleagues.
I work alongside the principal dentist, Dr Laura Akast. Laura is extremely patient and kind. She shares a great load of knowledge and helped me every step of the way.

Laura supported me from the moment I first started my apprenticeship in September 2020 and she is someone I look up to! Laura was always happy to help sign my witness statements and gave me great feedback. I was also able to ask for help whenever I needed it and felt extremely comfortable asking for extra support.

HOW DID YOU FIND THE SUPPORT OF YOUR TRAINING CENTRE?

The support from the training centre has been brilliant. Erica Clatworthy was my tutor and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to be a teacher, a friend and someone to follow for guidance.
She was always an email away with quick replies and made you feel completely relaxed throughout the whole course.

Having Erica as a teacher was very beneficial. With Erica’s hygiene background, she is so intelligent and has so much insight of dentistry. This made learning very easy for me. Erica had a way of explaining things that just made sense!

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR CAREER GOING IN THE FUTURE?

As an individual, I always want to do better and I always want to progress in my career. Dental nursing has all of the opportunities for that. In the future, I would like to do my radiography, impression taking and OHI – I will continue to do these courses with the Dental Nurse Training Centre!

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