Dentistry goes Beyond the Dental Lab with Lola Welch to find out what led her to a career in dental technology, where she grew up and how she unwinds outside of work.
Please introduce yourself and where you work
My name is Lola Welch and I am a senior prosthetics technician at Ceramic Designs Laboratory in Hove.
I’m responsible for the full workflow of ‘all on x’ restorations, starting from the immediate load conversion to the final high end prosthesis.
My role also includes various aspects of digital dentistry, from implant planing and guide designing to final bridge CAD design and milling.
Tell me about where you grew up and what your family was like
I grew up in Poland. I’m an 80s child and I was born during a time of communism, which means my childhood wasn’t the most colourful or exciting.
I was living with my parents and my younger brother, however certain circumstances forced me to move out from my family home at the age of 19 years old and start my independent adult life.
What led you to a career in dentistry?
I don’t actually remember it, but my grandma tells me that I always played as a dentist with my dolls and was telling everybody that this is who I want to be when I grow up.
I had a really sweet tooth when I was a child and paid the price for it with many visits to the dentist and fillings – even in my milk teeth! This is something I’m not proud of, but at least I know what I’m talking about when I threaten my daughter with the risks of eating too much sugar and not brushing your teeth!
I also always loved art and biology, but I don’t remember how I actually found out about our profession. My parents don’t remember either…it’s a mystery!
What do you like the most about it?
I like the artistry and creativity involved in dental technology.
I love the fact that I can change a person’s life by giving them a new smile and improve their quality of life.
I also like the constant learning. Nothing feels as good as adding a new skill to your assets and making your work even better.
Who/what have been the strongest influences in your life?
I find this question rather difficult as I actually can’t think of one person in particular.
I think I took a bit from many people who are close to me.
How would friends and acquaintances describe you?
Frankly, I’m pretty sure my colleagues think I’m over competitive and annoying (I talk a lot!) But I really do hope they can also see that I’m driven, passionate and completely committed to our job.
Share with us something about yourself that you want to improve
I’m very impatient and that’s something I really should work on.
I’m also very sensitive and if I’m overwhelmed or overstressed I’m not able to hide it. It’s not something that happens often, but I certainly wish I could calm myself down in these situations.
How do you unwind outside of the lab?
Most of the days I practice yoga. Even just 15 minutes on the mat can make me feel so much better.
I also like crime dramas and books, and a good serial killer podcast for good measure.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
Being Polish and living in UK means lots of my holiday allowance is spent back home with my family and I don’t travel to other places as much as I would like to.
I love heat and the sea, so active beach holiday is my go-to. I love Thailand and I hope I’ll be able to go back one day.
What’s your favourite film?
This is easy! The Piano with the most beautiful music composed by Michael Nyman.
What music do you listen to?
I love electronic dance music. Minimal house with a strong bass on the dance floor makes me happy.
At home we have jazz, soul and hiphop on the radio as my husband is a DJ and lover of music, but I have a soft spot for Dolly Parton.
What was the last picture you took on your phone?
At the moment while I’m answering these questions, I have nearly 29k photos on my phone!
They are mainly teeth, my daughter and my cats – in this particular order.
Sum yourself up in three words
Ambitious, competitive, easily overexcited.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I would like to give a big shoutout to all of my beautiful, strong and talented female dental technician friends all over the world!
You are making this industry better each day! Keep on shining!
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