Dental nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare sector, providing essential support to dentists and contributing to the smooth operation of practices.
According to a 2024 report by the General Dental Council (GDC), dental nurses make up approximately 50% of all dental professionals registered in the UK. Bradford College works closely with dental practices and practitioners to ensure training aligns with industry demands, with ongoing investment into first-class facilities, such as a new dental suite, demonstrating a commitment to giving students the best possible learning environments.
Among those benefiting from this is 19-year-old Level 3 Dental Nursing Apprentice, Tallulah Robinson-Burgess.
Meet Tallulah
Tallulah began her Level 3 Dental Nursing Apprenticeship in January 2024. Thanks to the proactive support of her employer, Clough Dental Surgery, who helped identify Bradford College as the ideal training provider, she was able to embark on her chosen career path. This decision to pursue an Apprenticeship was driven by a preference for hands-on learning.
Speaking about her journey so far and the valuable skills she’s developing, she said: “The idea of learning on the job while earning appealed to me. I’m a very hands-on person and prefer the practical experience that an apprenticeship can offer. I’m learning to do a job which is in great demand and I can do all over the world, either as a volunteer or paid employee.”
Through her Apprenticeship, Tallulah is developing crucial career skills and her passion for dental nursing is evident in her eagerness to help patients.
“Each day I follow a practical routine, but still incorporate learnings from my college coursework”, Tallulah continued.
“A typical start to the day could involve setting up the decontamination room, where we decontaminate dental instruments before appointments begin. Throughout the day, I then work through my to-do list, ranging from attending to patients to getting support and guidance from the resident dentist on particular cases. Dental Nursing gives me the opportunity to solve everyday problems. I particularly like the anticipation of what might come next, which could be a patient with a loose tooth or an abscess, and the fulfillment of helping them get relief from the discomfort that brings them to us.”
“I’m certainly becoming more resilient, with this Apprenticeship requiring me to interact more with members of the public, and I’m tackling lots of challenging tasks through my work. All of this is helping me develop the perseverance I need to reach my end goal.”
With a range opportunities for professionals to advance and specialise in the industry, Tallulah is particularly intrigued about potentially exploring the role of a dental hygienist – a position of interest due to the combination of clinical expertise and health promotion.
Reflecting on her progress to date, she concluded: “My Bradford College Apprenticeship has made it possible for me to pursue my dreams. I would encourage anyone else considering an apprenticeship to go for it!”
Are you interested in an Apprenticeship with Bradford College? Has Tallulah’s story inspired you to pursue a similar path? Find out more.