Business Owner/Entrepreneur | DC Dental/Virtual TC/Doclink

How did you get your job? / What training, degree, education do you need? 

I started my career in dentistry back in 2010 as a trainee dental nurse. I completed a national diploma in dental nursing, and this was the start of my journey into becoming a multiple business owner. I didn’t want to be limited to dental nursing but also didn’t want to follow a conventional route. After qualifying I went on to complete additional qualifications in Radiography and Impression taking and later became a practice manager in one of the biggest clinics in Jersey. From here is where I learnt about how a business is run and knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. 

I found a gap in the market where offering payment plans for patients was a must, dentistry is expensive and patients needed someone to chat them through their treatment and the costs involved with that, making it more affordable. DC Dental was founded in 2019 and three years later my second business took off when another gap in the dental industry was found, remotely managing new patient enquiries for dental clinics, and offering virtual consultations. I’ve since found myself more involved in the digital world of app building for the medical world and I’m excited to see what comes of this. The business world is a whole new journey for me and only the beginning. 

What are the most important skills needed for your role/job? 

Whether it’s dental nursing or being a business owner, you need to be driven and believe in the industry. Dentistry is a fast-growing industry and there are so many avenues to explore once you get going. Dental nursing itself isn’t for everyone, but the reward is phenomenal if caring for people and their health is something you want to explore. Being calm and caring but also being able to handle intense pressure in a fast-paced environment is key to a successful dental nurse.

What advice would you give someone interested in a career in your profession? 

Try something new and embrace the tough days! I was in retail before becoming a dental nurse and had no idea about the industry and most certainly didn’t think that almost 14 years later, although with a lot of hard work, I’d be running my own businesses. Exploring those different opportunities can open so many doors for you but you’ve got to give it a go. Dental nursing is not promoted enough and is an amazing industry to explore, especially as a school leaver. You learn in-house as it is a very hands-on role and the qualifications you can later gain can set you up for a very exciting career. 

What would you tell your younger self? 

I would tell my younger self that there are going to be bad days but keep persevering. The difficult days I have experienced have made me question whether this is something I am capable of; imposter syndrome is real and can really knock you back. But surrounding yourself with people that have the same driven energy is the most important. It’ll all work out, just keep being inspired and you’ll naturally inspire others!