Yousuf Al-Dulaimi explains how joining mydentist was the starting point for his journey of development into a confident clinician.
After university, dental graduates really want to get more experience before they begin working in a surgery.
That’s why for many newly-qualified dentists, the period after qualification is one of self-discovery. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the challenges and opportunities ahead – you’re learning about your passions, unique skills, and which areas you excel in. You want to provide the best care for your patients, but you also want to grow your skillset and establish your preferred way to practice.
So, although I qualified from the Medical University of Silesia in Poland and underwent internships in the USA, Jordan and Dubai, like many of my peers, I wanted to further hone my skills and discover what type of dentistry made me tick. To do that, I knew I’d need support.
A guided path to success
That’s why several months ago, I joined mydentist as an associate dentist. Like most newly qualified dentists, I was anxious to begin my journey. After all, no one finishes their foundation training wholly cured of lingering nerves.
But mydentist had offered me more than a job. They’re the largest dental provider in the country, with the largest clinical support team – that meant they could offer me a comprehensive mentorship programme developed for newly qualified dentists, designed to assist me in achieving my full potential, and a mentor who was always by my side, helping me become more confident at every step.
Life as a mentee
My mentorship journey began with ten intensive days at the mydentist Academy, based in Manchester, where I practised on phantom heads and was examined on my skills and knowledge. There, I was taught to treat every patient as a unique entity and to understand that, as dentists, we’re not just working with teeth but caring for individuals.
I was then placed in practice as an associate dentist, treating a diverse range of patients – again, with all the support I could need and a fantastic practice team around me.
I was already familiar with Dr Lisa Owens, the clinician who would be my mentor, as she’d been involved with my interview process. Now that I am progressing with my mentorship, it is safe to say she has been instrumental in helping me grow.
Dr Owens offers advice, helps me conquer anxiety-inducing treatments and, while caring for her own patients, still finds the time to show her support.
We have developed an excellent relationship as a mentor and mentee. We’ve worked together extensively, so we understand each other. Once a week, we spend some time together to discuss cases and reflect on my progress. I feel lucky to have someone there to answer my questions, expand my skills and provide the support I need to develop my career. She’s a one-of-a-kind mentor.
Luckily, I also met with my practice manager Amanda Webster, who’s been patient and humble, caring and attentive and most importantly, so pleasant to be around. She managed to make my move to the practice a breeze. Fortunately, she also happens to be one of my patients now.
Confident and connected
With mydentist, there’s a focus on growth and development. The clinical support team, the largest network of its kind in the UK, actively encourage clinicians to expand their knowledge at any stage of their career.
Every week, mydentist also offers different webinars and online tutorials completely free of charge ranging from occlusion, TMJ, or even aligners, for all clinicians to access. You are gaining knowledge and skills from these courses and CPD hours, which you can submit to the GDC. I often browse what is available, as I love learning new methods and techniques.
The support isn’t only from my mentor but comes from the whole company. A group chat enables clinicians to seek advice, address concerns, and celebrate achievements with their peers, while monthly all-staff meetings and city outings help our team feel connected. This sense of community has been so valuable to me.
Our area development manager and the clinical development adviser are always there when we need their support. I benefit from a one-on-one meeting with our Clinical Development Adviser every three months to ensure my growth is progressing as expected, in addition to general practice visits and sessions with the wider team.
A platform for growth
In my opinion, mydentist has been the perfect starting point for my professional journey. The quality of the mentorship program, coupled with a nurturing environment, has transformed me from a recent graduate into a confident, skilled practitioner.
My message to aspiring dentists is clear: mydentist offers more than a job. It provides a platform for growth, backed by unwavering support and mentorship. It empowers clinicians to explore new techniques and treatments and deliver the dentistry that is right for them. This culture of support extends to individual practitioners and throughout the clinic. To my colleagues and peers whose hands draw smiles, it is your art that makes an active difference to people’s lives.
Not only do you get support, continued development and an abundance of patience, but most importantly, you get to build your career alongside your mentor – an experienced professional who is always there to help.
For more information visit www.mydentist.co.uk/careers.
