For me personally my role is very varied. I work at the Dental Hospital in Cardiff, and I have been here in this role for 4 years. At the hospital we have patients referred to us from general dental practice for a variety of reasons – anxious, specialist treatment. The patients who are anxious need time spending with them to help them accept treatment more easily. We have special care patients who have medical issues that require more time for their treatment.
Kate Oakes
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love talking to people, putting them at ease and helping them to enjoy their appointments. I am honoured that a number of my patients feel they can talk to me about other issues they may have ie mental health, relationship problems – they feel they can talk to someone outside of the situation. I love seeing the improvement people can make in their dental health in as little as one visit.
Every day is different, and no patient is the same. Many of my patients become more than ‘just a patient’ and are almost friends as they often like to bring in photos of their grandchildren, holidays, or pets. I have a number of dogs that come to visit – Sophie and Max are guide dogs, Lucy is a hearing dog, and they make appointments a lot of fun. I really do love my job and have a laugh every day.
How did you get into your role?
The week of my 16th birthday I became the ‘Saturday girl’ at my local dental practice. I was fortunate enough to study at UHW (University Hospital Wales) for 2 years as a dental nurse which allowed me to initially work in general dental practice and then in the community dental service.
I worked in the community dental service for several years – ran my own clinic with 2 dentists and orthodontist and we had dental students for training. I ran the special needs department for a year arranging a static and mobile dental surgery to go into schools. Cardiff then became the first school outside of London to offer the dental therapist course.
I qualified as a dental therapist in 1997 and then went back to sit my hygiene finals in 1999. I worked in the community dental service, general dental practice and at the dental hospital. I have been able to work for dental postgrad training hygienists and therapists. I was a lecturer at Cardiff for 5 years training dental students, hygienists, and therapists.
What kind of person would your job suit?
A dental hygienist's role varies depending on where you want to work. In general practice it is fast-paced and varied. In the community and hospital dental services patients can have more time for their appointments. You need to be able to talk and talk about anything. You need to be patient with patients especially if they are anxious. Have empathy with people. Be able to laugh at situations.