Jodie – BrightBites volunteer

I’ve been working in dentistry for nearly 21 years— I started my career as a trainee dental nurse and, over time, progressed into my current role as Practice Manager, all within the same practice—and while I now focus on management, I still enjoy putting my gloves on and getting involved clinically when possible.

I’m a qualified and registered dental nurse with additional qualifications in dental radiography, regularly taking OPGs and CBCTs, as well as in oral health education.

For the past 12 years, I’ve been delivering oral health sessions in local schools—something I became passionate about after becoming a mum myself. It’s been incredibly rewarding, and I’m now frequently invited to speak in schools across the community.

I first came across BrightBites when I attended the Birmingham Dental Show in May. Everyone I met was so friendly and welcoming. Finding resources for oral health talks has become increasingly difficult, especially since COVID, so I was genuinely surprised and delighted to learn that BrightBites offers support in this area. Naturally, I signed up as soon as I returned to work!

I first decided to do a BrightBites session when I was approached by a teacher friend to attend her school to deliver an oral health lesson. My first thought to support me with this session was BrightBites! This session was for year one, the children were 5 to 6 years old.

Oral health education is so important because it empowers individuals, especially children, with the knowledge and habits they need to maintain a healthy mouth for life. By teaching correct brushing techniques, the importance of a healthy diet, and regular dental visits from an early age, we can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues before they start. It also helps reduce dental anxiety, builds confidence, and supports overall health and wellbeing.

What I enjoy most about delivering oral health education sessions with children is their energy, curiosity, and willingness to learn. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their faces light up when they discover something new—like how much sugar is hidden in their favourite snacks or how long two minutes of brushing really feels! I love making the sessions fun and interactive, using props, games, and visual aids to keep them engaged. Knowing that I’m helping to build positive habits that could last a lifetime makes the experience truly meaningful. Plus, hearing children excitedly talk about what they’ve learned afterwards is the best kind of feedback!

If anyone is thinking of becoming a BrightBites volunteer, I would say do it! Volunteering is incredibly rewarding and can make a real difference, especially in areas like oral health education where resources are limited. I’ve been very lucky to have the support of my practice, which has encouraged me to go out into the community and share my knowledge. Sadly, many schools simply don’t have the budget to provide lessons like this, so volunteers play a vital role. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact, even a small amount of your time can go a long way.