What I enjoy the most about my job is that every patient case I work on is different, so I never get bored of what I do.
Iola Rushton
Place(s) of work:
Production Laboratories, University Dental Hospital, Cardiff.
What does your role involve?
I currently have two job roles within the department. During term time, my role involves teaching and mentoring students who are enrolled on the BSc undergraduate dental technology course based at Cardifff Metropolitan University. As part of the BSc course, students undertake work placement modules at the hospital to provide them with the necessary experience in producing appliances, restorations and prostheses for patients.
Outside of term time, I am based in the production laboratory where I predominately construct prosthetics appliances – examples of appliances include acrylic dentures, cobalt chrome framework dentures, bite raising appliances. Dental technicians can either work in a hospital setting like myself or in a commercial/private laboratory.
Whichever setting you work in, communication between yourself and the rest of the dental team (dentists, nurses, students, receptionists etc) is vital to provide the patient with the best possible treatment.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy the most about my job is that every patient case I work on is different, so I never get bored of what I do. For example, I might make 5 different sets of dentures a week, but they will all be different in one way or another because everyone’s dentition is different. It is rewarding to know that I have played a part in helping a patient achieve a comfortable set of dentures and a new smile!
How did you get into your role?
While in high school I needed some orthodontic treatment to correct and straighten my teeth. I used to really enjoy going to my appointments as I found it fascinating how my teeth would gradually move during the treatment period. I applied for some work experience at the hospital when I was in year 12 and I really enjoyed it.
From there I started to look into the dental technology profession and visited universities where I could study to become a dental technician. At the time, only Cardiff and Manchester offered a BSc degree in Dental Technology. I choose Cardiff as they had a close relationship with the University Dental Hospital and offered work placement as part of the course, fast forward 20 years and I am still here!
Since graduating in 2004, I have been fortunate enough to continue with my studies by completing an MSc and PGC in higher education allowing me to progress up the NHS ladder.
What kind of person would your job suit?
There is a creative element to the work that we do, so if you enjoy working with your hands and have an eye for detail dental technology might be something to explore. Also, in recent years Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture (CAD/CAM) technology within our industry has developed immensely, this might appeal to anyone who enjoys working with computers/IT.