In October 2021, Katie joined our team in Kelso as a Trainee Dental Nurse. Katie has since passed her exams and in May 2022 qualified as a fully trained Dental Nurse. With her first-year work-anniversary looming, we wanted to catch up with Katie to find out more about her experience as part of the Smile Experts’ team.
Hi Katie – it’s almost been a year since you qualified as a Dental Nurse with Vermilion and we thought that it would be nice to catch up with you to reflect on your experience so far. Firstly, what inspired you and encouraged you to apply for the trainee dental nurse role at Vermilion Kelso?
I qualified as a hairdresser in 2017 and, after a few years in this role, I felt like taking on another challenge and started to look for opportunities down a new career path.
When I came across the vacancy post for a Trainee Dental Nurse at Vermilion, I was drawn to it as it would give me the balance I was looking for: the ability to continue working as a hairdresser part-time and the opportunity to train to be a Dental Nurse and earn a new qualification.
What have you enjoyed most about dental nursing in Kelso for Vermilion?
As Vermilion is a private referral clinic with expert clinicians, I feel that every day I am learning or experiencing something new, as I am exposed to and assist with the provision of multi-disciplinary treatment. I particularly enjoy the oral surgery aspect of the job as no surgery is ever the same. I also love to follow each patient’s journey at Vermilion and be present for each stage of their smile transformation.
What has been your most memorable moment from the past year?
My most memorable moment from the past year would be achieving my dental nursing qualification in May 2022!
What are you looking to achieve in the next few years?
Vermilion gives you great opportunities to further your knowledge by supporting you while you complete courses and add to your qualifications in areas such as sedation and radiography. I am looking to complete the sedation and radiography courses in the next few years.
Can you run through what a typical day looks like for you?
Everyday varies at Vermilion. I currently work alongside three different clinicians: Practice Principal and Oral Surgeon, Dr David Offord; Dental Hygienist, Ms Michaela Zilinska; and Implant Dentist, Dr Charlie Evans.
On my Surgical days when nursing with Dr Offord, my day usually begins with consultations. After which, I will carry out Intraoral scans and complete sedation assessments, if required. In the afternoon, I scrub in to work alongside Dr Offord and assist with implant surgeries, sinus grafts, surgical extractions and more.
A day with Michaela involves full mouth periodontal charting, implant hygiene I and II, and providing guidelines and methods to patients on how best to care for their implants and maintain good oral hygiene. I also assist with the provision of in-house Zoom teeth whitening treatments.
When I nurse alongside Dr Evans my days are even more varied, which I enjoy. We carry out implant assessments, prepare and fit conventional and implant crowns, dentures and bridges, composite fillings and complete annual reviews of implants for the next three years following a placement.
What are the benefits of working for Vermilion?
Vermilion gives you a great opportunity to further your knowledge and supports you while you complete courses and add to your qualifications. Some more benefits that come with working for Vermilion are:
· 50% GDC registration paid for
· Free verifiable CPD training
· 5% employer pension
How would you describe the team culture in Kelso?
The team in Kelso is small and friendly, who are good at supporting each other as we each value and understand the importance of teamwork!
What would you say to someone thinking about joining Vermilion as a Dental Nurse?
Do it!
Are you a Qualified Dental Nurse seeking a new challenge? Visit our Vacancies Page today to find out more and apply to join an award-winning team.
