Laura – volunteer dental nurse
I decided to volunteer for Dentaid because I enjoy working with disadvantaged groups of people. I wanted to give something back to the community I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone to grow my confidence.
What I like about volunteering with Dentaid is going into new situations and meeting clinicians and patients I wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet day to day. I work in a fully private practice so getting to meet groups of patients who wouldn’t usually come to my surgery is a real positive. It has helped to build my skills and experience as a dental nurse.
On the clinic we saw patients from a homeless shelter who haven’t had access to a dentist. We carried out dental exams and oral cancer checks for some and managed to do four fillings for one patient. This helped prevent their condition from deteriorating further and hopefully means they’ll avoid pain in the future. We also gave advice on diet and toothbrushing and how to include these habits in daily routines.
At my first clinic with Dentaid I was very nervous and full of self-doubt. However, now I have done it a few times and met a range of Dentaid staff and other volunteers I feel confident going into a clinic and excited to see what patients and treatments the day will bring. In the beginning working on the mobile dental unit was new to me and I wondered what we could achieve on it, but with flexibility and team work we are able to carry out most of the treatments that we would do in a normal practice.
To anyone thinking of volunteering with Dentaid I would say for go for it and apply. It has boosted my confidence in new situations and helped me work with new people. I have gained skills and experience working with different patient groups with different needs that has helped to improve my day-to-day dental nursing. I always leave a clinic feeling happy that I’ve been able to support the charity, met new dental colleges, and have helped the wider community.
Written by Laura – Dental Nurse – April 2025