What makes a good leader?

Emilia Forrester is head dental nurse at Smile Essential where she has been working since 2007. Recently, she accepted a position as treatment coordinator at a fantastic practice in Leicestershire – Thurmaston Dental – and is excited to join their team soon, where she is looking forward to a new adventures and further opportunities. Here she talks us through her journey.

You say English is your second language – how challenging was this training as a dental nurse?

When I attended my first session to obtain the National Certificate in Dental Nursing, the tutor (Fiona Ellwood) asked me to complete a simple English test, which I unfortunately failed. Fiona encouraged me to complete an English course at Leicester College, and then rejoin her course. My written and spoken English improved and six months later I was back on track to gain the dental nurse qualification. I was so motivated and inspired by Fiona that I whizzed through my coursework, taking my final exam a year earlier than expected, achieving a merit. I then went on to become an oral health educator, once again achieving a merit. I am also qualified in dental radiography, impression taking and applying fluoride. So, although English as a second language had its challenges, it certainly hasn’t stopped me achieving my goals.