In 2006 Julia was appointed as a Senior Dental Officer for Peterborough Community Dental Service. In 2008 she became Cambridgeshire Clinical Lead with responsibility for 17 dentists and in 2011 she was included on the GDC Specialist List for Special Care Dentistry. Julia has also been a vocational dental practitioner trainer since 2009.
How has your career has developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham?
My BDS has been a stepping stone to further study including the Diploma in Special Care Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons and a Masters in Medical/Dental Education. On leaving Birmingham I completed my vocational dental practitioner year and stayed on in the practice until 2006. In 2006 I was appointed as a Senior Dental Officer for Peterborough Community Dental Service. In 2008 I became Cambridgeshire Clinical Lead with responsibility for 17 dentists and in 2011 I was included on the GDC Specialist List for Special Care Dentistry. I have also been a vocational dental practitioner trainer since 2009.
What is the best thing about the job you are doing now?
I am enjoying the variety of my job, no two days are ever the same. Working with such a challenging group of patients means I am always learning and updating my knowledge. I really feel that I am making a difference to my patient’s lives.
Why did you originally apply to do Dentistry at Birmingham?
When I visited Birmingham I was impressed by the city itself, even before the new Bullring days! I felt welcomed by everyone at the Dental Hospital at my interview; much more so than at some other establishments.
What did you think were the best points of the Dental Surgery degree and the University?
I feel that the support the students were given by tutors and lecturers was second to none. Looking back now, I wish I had made more of the facilities and support on offer. The University also has an excellent sports facility, not everything has to be about study!
What advice would you give to current students studying on the course?
Work hard but play hard. Seize every opportunity to learn.
How did you grow as a person by studying at University? Did it change your life in any way?
Studying at Birmingham has made me develop an ability to think for myself but also helped me to have the courage to question what I am told or what I read. This means that I value evidence based techniques and theories. Finally I made some great friends whilst studying at Birmingham.