Support goes a long way – Stephanie Kirby
NewsPosted by: Dental Design 2nd November 2017
Stephanie Kirby graduated from Cardiff University in 2015 and completed her dental foundation training in August 2016. She joined Rodericks Dental in September 2016 as a regional dentist, covering the West Midlands area.
Starting out
Initially, I was contracted to work within six local practices, providing cover and help towards UDA targets. As a recent graduate, this was a perfect role as it allowed me to experience a number of different working environments and treat a wide variety of patients. It also alleviated the pressure of having a UDA target – something I was unfamiliar with at the time!
Every new graduate’s first role in practice is always a daunting one. Throughout each stage, I felt supported by Rodericks. This included practice inductions, guidance with personal development portfolios (PDPs) and multiple appraisals. I also attended a number of introductory study days covering a wide range of topics. Being introduced to the importance of a PDP has helped me set future career goals, choose appropriate CPD and reflect upon achievements.
The next step
After eight months in this role, I decided I was ready to settle down as an associate. I wanted to stay within the Rodericks family as I had thoroughly enjoyed my time in each practice. Rodericks was very helpful in finding a permanent position for me. During my transition from regional to associate, I was also assisted in determining a UDA target appropriate for my early career stage. Reviewing my average monthly activity has allowed a smooth and stress-free progression to general practice.
The benefits
Rodericks offers a fantastic support network to facilitate progression throughout a career in dentistry. They have organised a CPD calendar with discounted courses ranging from short-term orthodontics to restorative dentistry and oral surgery study days. There are also great deals available on dental loupes! Further still, this year Rodericks hosted their first annual conference, which was a huge success. This event was truly representational of the Rodericks ethos of on-going education.
My experience of working in six different practices has demonstrated the general positive attitude and working environment within the group. All members of the team offer guidance and advice – from associate colleagues to the top dogs running the company!
Proudest moment so far
This is always difficult to pinpoint. It’s hard to say one thing that I am particularly proud of, but I can say that I am proud of the way I have shaped my career as a young dentist so far. The education I have been given and the mentorship I have received has encouraged me to value the quality of my work and ethical patient care.
For the future, my aspirations are to increase the scope of my clinical practice, offering more advanced and cosmetic dentistry. I am sure Rodericks will help me achieve this via numerous courses and mentorship.
The world of dentistry for young practitioners nowadays can be scary and intimidating. I think it’s important for young dentists to have a clear vision of their future goals, to understand the support systems available and to identify mentors along the way. Advancing skills takes hard work and patience, but I believe it’s vital to always balance this with life outside of dentistry.
For more information about careers with Rodericks, please visit www.rodericksdental.co.uk/careers, email opportunity@rodericksdental.co.uk or call 01604 602491 (option 1) and ask for Christina Regan in our Dental Recruitment Team.
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