Supporting students of the profession
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 28th September 2022
Every year, A-Level results day has a significant impact on the future of thousands of individuals. The next generation of students will either achieve their goals and pursue their dreams, or have to re-evaluate and explore new avenues, potentially entering university through clearing processes if they didn’t achieve their desired grades.
It’s a stressful time for many, especially as so much of their future career can hinge on this moment. However, it’s also a joyous time for the dental profession, including dental therapy and dental hygiene. New students mean new talent being welcomed into the profession, and this means new perspectives, skills and passion – all things that our industry needs in order to continue to flourish and reach new heights.
However, as we all know, being a student can be a daunting time, and many individuals struggle with the big changes that the student lifestyle can bring. So, how can we help support students and ensure that they feel ready for a career in the field?
More people are entering the dental profession
Interestingly, over the last few years there has been a marked shift in the number of people entering more practical career areas such as dentistry. Although the stats for this year are not yet available at the time of writing, the last couple of years have seen applicants to dentistry-based courses increase significantly.[i]
While it’s difficult to find figures that directly relate to dental therapy and dental hygiene, the pandemic has proven that our profession is starting to become recognised by everyone as an essential part of the dental team, meaning that it’s an appealing choice for young adults when considering their career options. A preventive approach to dentistry is also becoming mainstream, and this means that our roles as dental therapists and dental hygienists are only likely to continue to become more significant in the wider dental industry in the coming years – a change that many students will want to be part of.
What students struggle with
Although many of us view or look back on our time as students as being a fantastic time, it’s also a very high-pressure period in a young person’s life and this can take its toll. Indeed, common issues faced by students during their years of study include all forms of anxiety, homesickness, depression, stress and more[ii] – all of which can make individuals feel like they aren’t achieving what they should be, or that they don’t have the support they need in order to succeed.
There are also financial problems to consider, and while student loans help people during this stage of their education, it can still be a struggle, which may also impact people’s mental and physical health if they are unable to feed themselves properly or are constantly anxious about expenses.
Preparing yourself for a career is also a daunting step, and it’s not unusual for students to feel like they aren’t prepared for the next stage or that they have limited their options. Effectively, it’s a time of discovery for these young individuals, and the profession should support them where possible.
A helping hand from the BADT
The British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT) is a great option for students and those who want to help assist these individuals during their educational journey. The Association give students of the profession access to advice from real working members of the industry, as well as countless educational sources, events and other useful resources that will help them to embrace the start of their professional journey and gain the skills necessary to succeed.
For those already qualified looking to help students, this is the perfect opportunity to impart wisdom, and get to know the newest members of the profession. For students themselves, the association offers a great insight into the industry at large and the opportunity for these individuals to get involved in the conversations surrounding the future of the profession. Plus, student membership is free for undergraduates and for newly qualified dental therapists and dental hygienists in their first year of qualification.
Nurture future talent
Working in dental therapy and dental hygiene is like joining a family of like-minded individuals. We’re one of those rare professions where supporting each other really is at the heart of what we do, so it’s always good to encourage the next generation of students and help them where possible. By encouraging individuals to make the most of joining an association and imparting our wisdom and experience, we can help them to feel welcome in the industry as well as supporting them throughout their educational development.
For more details, please visit www.badt.org.uk
Author: Debbie Hemington- Chair.
Debbie qualified from New Cross in 1983, the year it closed, and is actually the last New Cross Therapist to graduate. She qualified as a Hygienist at Kings in 1987 and has worked continuously during this time in a variety of settings. In 2003 she joined The Eastman as a tutor and combines that role with working in a mixed general practice where she has worked for 38 years! Debbie has also worked the for the former London Deanery as part of the DCP tutor team commissioning post graduate education, and was the educational lead on “Wild Smile” project with Heart your Smile. In 2012 she took part in a 2 year part time pilot scheme at Kings for Enhanced Skills in Periodontology. She has been a BADT member for most of her career and was elected Chair in 2018 and is now President of the Association.
[i] FE news. Record Numbers of People are Applying to Study Dentistry in the UK. Link: https://www.fenews.co.uk/skills/record-numbers-of-people-are-applying-to-study-dentistry-in-the-uk-these-are-the-routes-into-the-profession/ [Last accessed August 22].
[ii] Mind. How To Cope With Student Life. Link: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/student-life/about-student-mental-health/ [Last accessed August 22].
