Taking the leap

As dental nurses, we often get caught up in the daily demands of general practice. However, sometimes we need a challenge to remind ourselves why we chose this profession. For me, that came when I volunteered with Dental Mavericks in Essaouira, Morocco. What started as a trip to provide dental care to children soon became a life-changing experience, reigniting my passion for dental nursing and helping me to rediscover myself. I had been looking into volunteer trips with various dental charities for some time, but it wasn’t until my relationship ended in late 2023 that I finally decided to take the leap. I reached out to my friend at Dental Mavericks and signed up for the November 2024 trip to Essaouira. There was no turning back now. I was excited yet nervous... Would I enjoy the experience? Could I adapt to working outside of my comfort zone? I knew there would be challenges in a different country, without the luxuries of a dental surgery, and with a team of people I had never met… In hindsight, I needn’t have worried at all. What stands out to me about Dental Mavericks as a charity is their focus, not only on relieving pain, but also on prevention— namely by teaching children the importance of oral hygiene to help reduce their future risk of dental issues. They also offer dental nurses the chance to complete a certified fluoride course, which is something I certainly recommend.