Sally Alwan, orthodontic clinical development advisor at mydentist, shares how she’s grown her career and found balance as a working parent.
A career in dentistry can offer far more than clinical work. For me, it has meant specialising, helping shape the clinical voice of a large organisation, and doing it all while raising two young children.
I joined mydentist as a general dentist and I went on to complete a postgraduate degree in orthodontics – I was immediately offered the chance to work in its orthodontic division.
From there, my career has grown exponentially. I started with a small NHS orthodontic contract, moved into a specialist practice, and was then recognised with the opportunity to become orthodontic clinical development advisor. Today I combine that role with treating NHS and private patients at the mydentist Beverley Orthodontic Practice.
Having a voice
mydentist is the first dental provider I’ve worked for where the clinical division is so well represented, backed by the UK’s largest clinical support network. Clinicians need to feel valued and heard, and having a clinical director and advisors who understand the ins and outs of the orthodontic division makes that possible.
Having an open line of communication between clinicians and clinical directors means that clinicians can raise concerns, or share the wonderful things happening in their practice, with someone who knows what they want. If there’s a new protocol or piece of equipment, they have a friendly and familiar face to go to for support.
As a part of this process, we also work closely with suppliers to secure the best commercial arrangements and prices for our clinicians, and we’re at the forefront of new initiatives. There are still some misconceptions that if you work with a corporate provider, progress and innovation can be a slow process. This couldn’t be further from the truth within mydentist. As a clinician, it makes me really proud to work with a provider which is spearheading digital innovation for the better of both its patients and for the clinical development of its clinicians.
Today, mydentist boasts the UK’s largest fleet of TRIOS intraoral scanners and digital diagnostics have been implemented across all of its practices. This level of innovation is so exciting for me as a clinician, and now we have real-time radiograph analysis to support diagnosis and streamline treatment planning, I have more time to concentrate on working with my patients and supporting more of them with achieving their dream smile.
Personally, I’m really excited to see how mydentist will continue to grow within this area but, in the meantime, there’s so much here for clinicians to progress with and enjoy.
Finding balance in your orthodontic career
Work-life balance is extremely important for anyone, and as a mum of two young children, I know first-hand how much of a challenge it can be.
Flexibility over my working hours makes a real difference. By organising my diary, I walk into clinic feeling less overwhelmed. Working together within my team has made such a difference to me and having both clinical and operational teams behind me takes the pressure off.
Having that support around me to help deliver my day puts less pressure on me and that’s something I’m so appreciative of, as it isn’t the norm across the industry.
Support to keep growing and leaning on your team
Progression isn’t just for dentists. We’ve supported orthodontic trained nurses into orthodontic therapy, and others onto radiography and oral health courses. If someone in your team wants to develop, we’ll back them.
Our clinical conference brings clinicians from across both divisions together every couple of years. In between, we stay connected through local chats, WhatsApp groups, emails and the Wisdom platform, where colleagues are recognised for their work.
With more than 500 practices, we’re the biggest dental corporate in the UK. If you have an idea you want to put forward, this is the best place to do it. Where new ideas are welcomed, you can try something innovative, and that helps us stand out from the competition.
I couldn’t do my job without my team. My reception team, orthodontic therapist, nurses, manager and treatment coordinator, and every single person in our building, are what make it so enjoyable.
If you’re considering a career in dentistry, ask what support is on offer for you and your team. For me, the answer has been choice, backed by wonderful colleagues.
To find out more about the roles currently available at mydentist, visit: www.mydentist.co.uk/careers/dentist-jobs/early-career-opportunities.
This article is sponsored by mydentist.
