Rebekah Dean

I have developed hugely during my time at Scottish Orthodontics. I took on the roles of lead nurse and treatment coordinator, broadening my skills and abilities within the field.

As a treatment coordinator, I really got to learn more about the patients individually and tailored my interpersonal skills to suit each patient, giving them reassurance and understanding in their initial consultations. I continued to assist them by communicating with them through their treatment regarding appointments and payments for both Invisalign and fixed brace cases.

As lead nurse, I learned the importance of stock keeping and ordering based on requirements for the month ahead. I also communicate with my colleagues effectively, always seeking the most efficient way to make the clinics run smoothly, while also helping them out with daily tasks.

I gained the following qualifications during my time here; dental radiography, orthodontic dental nursing and CBCT imaging.

I worked through my radiography and orthodontic dental nursing simultaneously over a span of six months, passing both exams first time. I then went on to sit my CBCT imaging exam, also passing this first time.

During this time, I also continued to work in a lab setting as required, taking iTero scans to be sent off for 3D printed essix retainers and also taking alginate impressions that I would later make plaster-cast essix retainers from, ensuring the highest quality in my work throughout the processes.

I work either in clinic with the clinician, running my own clinic for treatment coordinator consultations, on the reception desk or in the lab - carrying out roles in all aspects of the practice as required.

In this role, I worked solely with orthodontic patients. I learned a lot about the process and purpose of orthodontic appliances and have a clear understanding of the NHS funding allocation system. In this role, I first used SfD software and a 3Shape Trios scanner.

• Correctly prepared relevant dental instruments and equipment for accurate, timely treatment procedures.
• Welcomed patients, explaining procedures and answering questions to ease anxiety.
• Accurately and efficiently decontaminated and sterilised dental devices for continued hygiene compliance.
• Arranged appointments using online booking system.

This role allowed me to broaden my knowledge of dentistry hugely. During my time in this position, I worked in orthodontics by making essix retainers, working with Invisalign and fixed appliances. Aside from that, my time was spent assisting the dentist with dental implants, endodontics and other general dental procedures.

• Maintaining infection control procedures to a high standard
• Assisted fellow staff in additional duties for continued smooth running of practice operations.
• Provided excellent patient care from arrival to treatment completion.
• Assisted in clinical procedures, including examinations, fillings and extractions.
• Worked with dentists during permanent and temporary restorative procedures, including fillings, crowns and bridges.

This role is where I first started my journey in dentistry. I pushed myself to meet and beat deadlines during my apprenticeship and subsequently, managed to achieve my Dental Nursing qualification in just 5 months.

This was my first and only hospitality role, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Meeting and getting to know the regular customers was a very enjoyable part of the job, I developed my people skills in this role greatly.

This role had its challenges as I began working there shortly before the pandemic reached the UK. I gained a lot of life experience in this position.