Dental therapist Rhianna Clarke shares how her varied roles in hospital, practice and teaching allow her to play a vital part in multidisciplinary dentistry.
Please introduce yourself and your role
My name is Rhianna Clarke, and I am a dental therapist. I work in three different roles: at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, in a private practice in Raynes Park, and as an educator at Aspire Dental Academy.
What does a typical day look like for you at work?
No two days are the same. Twice a week, I work in new-patient oncology clinics, carrying out pre-radiotherapy dental assessments alongside the restorative team. These clinics are fast-paced and emotionally charged, and my role focuses on oral health education and motivating patients to prioritise prevention.
My remaining clinics are treatment-based, involving a mix of periodontal and restorative care for oncology patients, as well as cases involving severe trauma, implants, or tooth wear. I also occasionally see otherwise healthy patients who require specialist input due to complex needs. Twice a month, I have dedicated admin sessions for discharge letters and audits.
How did you get into dental therapy, and what led you toward head and neck cancer care?
My mother is a dental nurse, and her career inspired me to pursue dentistry. I spent much of my childhood at her practice while she was a practice manager, which sparked my early interest in the profession. Sadly, my grandfather passed away from oral cancer, and this experience motivated me to focus on head and neck cancer care within dental therapy.
What do you wish other professionals knew about the value of hygienists/therapists in hospital pathways?
Hygienists and therapists are central to multidisciplinary care. We often build the strongest relationships with patients, which places us in a key position to support, educate, and advocate for them. Our role is critical in preventing complications such as osteoradionecrosis, and consultants rely on us to identify and escalate concerns early. This collaboration improves workflow, enhances patient safety, and ultimately leads to better patient care.
Is there a particular moment during your career that has stayed with you?
There are many, but one patient in particular has always stayed with me. He told me that severe xerostomia meant he could no longer kiss his wife, which really highlighted how profoundly treatment side effects can affect quality of life.
Many patients have since told me that I played a crucial role in their care, offering not only clinical support but also kindness and reassurance during some of the most difficult moments of their oncology journey.
From a restorative perspective, I once treated a patient with hypodontia by placing composite bonding on her UL3 to resemble a UL2. She was overwhelmed with emotion and told me I had changed her life – an experience that perfectly captures why this work is so meaningful.
What keeps you motivated?
Patient and peer feedback, and seeing tangible improvements in patients’ oral health as a result of the care I’ve provided.
If you could change one thing to better support hygienists/therapists in hospital pathways, what would it be?
Greater investment in the hygienist and therapist workforce, alongside increased autonomy. I’d also like to see more undergraduate training focused on working within secondary care settings, to better prepare clinicians for hospital-based roles.
What advice would you give to other hygienists/therapists who might be interested in a hospital pathway?
Go for it! The work can be emotionally challenging and requires resilience, but the rewards far outweigh the emotional cost. You are an integral part of a patient’s oncology pathway, and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone’s health improve from cancer to remission. The role is varied, and you are able to use the full range of your therapy skills which we so often lose in primary care roles.
Read more from the National Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist Day campaign:
- Dental therapists: are you a Ferrari in a school zone?
- Unlocking access to preventive oral care in Ireland
- Air polishing: invest in clinical excellence and patient health
- Prevention, policy and the power of teams
- Inclusive dentistry for neurodivergent patients.
With thanks to our sponsor, NSK.
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